Harold Atherton, 96, of Paw Paw, died Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Prairie Crossing Living and Rehabilitation Center in Shabbona. He was born December 2, 1920 in Magnolia, KY to Hansford and Pearl (nee Gibson) Atherton. Harold married Mary Manetta on September 10, 1941 in Ottawa.
Harold served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member the Smith-Reynolds Post American Legion in Paw Paw. He farmed his entire life in the Paw Paw area and worked for Swift Company for 15 years until they closed.
Harold is survived by his children, June (Otto) Safranek of Paw Paw, Glenn Wayne “Butch” Atherton of Paw Paw, Harold Dixon (Linda) Atherton of Prophetstown, and Diane (Bob) Strack of Wausau, WI; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and his sisters, Polly and Joyce of Kentucky.
In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Lora Fultz; his sisters Lillie, Ann, Jean, Edna, and Velma; and his brothers, James and Hansford Jr.
A memorial funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw, 398 Chicago Road, in Paw Paw with the Rev. Dr. Anne Hoflen and Brother Ken Wilson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Inurnment will follow in Wyoming Township Cemetery in Paw Paw.
Memorials in Harold’s name may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Paw was a special man.
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all, may his memeories live on in your hearts.