April 17, 1946 - Jan. 11, 2009

William Lewis DeAtley, 64, of Sterling, has gone to Mountain Man Rendezvous. A husband, grandfather, uncle and friend, he passed away peacefully Jan. 11, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer, with family and friends by his side. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m., at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Chaney-Reager, with the Rev. Joyce DeToni-Hill. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.
He was born April 17, 1946, in Grand Junction, the son of Claude Newland DeAtley and Maude Iva (Reed) DeAtley.
William spent 22 years in the U.S. Army. He received five Purple Hearts and 14 Medals of Honor. He spent four years in Vietnam and served overseas tours in Germany and Korea. Upon retirement, he was an over-the-road trucker for 20 years.
He enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife.
William is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Patricia; and three children, Robert Ray of Colorado Springs, Heather Kroeger and husband Berry of Greeley and Donald DeAtley of Sterling; sister, Rita Pinkston and husband Jamie of Calhoun, Mo.; sister- and brother-in-law, John and Melissa Ambrose of Iliff; many nieces and nephews of Utah, Missouri and Texas, and many close friends in Sterling and across the U.S.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; three brothers; and a grandchild.
We love you William; have a great time at the rendezvous.
Memorial contributions may be made to the William DeAtley Memorial Fund.