Columbus, OH — Dan E. Ater, 66, of Clarksburg, Ohio, died at his residence May 24, 2021, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born June 29, 1954, to Earl E. “Deak” and Rebecca “Becky” (Steinhauser) Ater.

Surviving are his children, Kyle (Sarah), Nick (Stacey), Mackenzie (Hunter) Hubbard, and Daniel; mother, Becky; grandson, Wyatt; sisters, Ruth Ann (Don) Sowers and Nancy (John) Heck; special companion, Linda Leatherwood; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Deak.

Mr. Ater was a graduate of Adena High School, Class of 1974. He served his community as a Deerfield Twp. Trustee for 24 years.

He worked as a Standardbred driver and trainer for more than four decades. Throughout his career, he accumulated 1,697 victories as a driver and 1,686 victories as a trainer.

He was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2016 and was awarded the USTA President’s Award in 2018.

Mr. Ater held driving titles at Miami Valley Raceway, Scioto Downs, Northfield Park and Balmoral Park; and training titles at Miami Valley Raceway.

He served as a director of the U.S. Trotting Association and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association. He was also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau.

Mr. Ater was quoted referring to his life, “Racing is a book of dreams. The story of my life. I’m going to live it until I die.”

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (May 28), in Ater Cemetery, Clarksburg. In keeping with his request, calling hours will be from 1-8 p.m. Thursday (May 27) at Dan’s horse barn, 1702 Stingy Lane, Clarksburg, OH, 43115.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his memory to either Heartland Hospice, 205 North St., #400, Lucasville, OH, 45648 or Pancreatic Cancer Research.