Earl Ater, 81, dies
December 25, 2010,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Earl E. “Deak” Ater, 81, of Clarksburg, Ohio, died Dec. 23, 2010, at his home following an extended illness.
Mr. Ater was born August 30, 1929 in Clarksburg to Glen D. and Carol S. Pyle Ater. On May 6, 1950 he married the former Rebecca “Becky” Steinhauser, who survives.
Mr. Ater was a retired barber. He also trained and drove Standardbred. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of the United States Trotting Association, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the American Legion, Post 757, and the Deerfield Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Nancy (John) Heck, Dan (Jacky), and Ruth Ann (Don) Sowers; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Secrest, Kyle, Nick, Mackenzie, Daniel, Ashley Sowers and Earl Andrew Sowers; step-grandchildren, Lauren Heck, Ryan (Melissa) Heck, and Mark Heck; great-grandchild, Oliver Deacon Secrest; sister-in-law, Betty Roe; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn E. and Nell, Jack and Carol, Joe, and Charles “Hi” Steinhauser.He was a member of the Clarksburg United Methodist Church, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Military graveside services conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Ater Cemetery, Stingy Lane, Clarksburg. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Monday (Dec. 27) at the Haller Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Adena Health Foundation, Hospice Program or for the benefit of dialysis patients, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601.