Rupert P. Atherton

Rupert P. Atherton, 73, of Owensboro, died Friday April 17, 2009 at Owensboro Medical Health System. He was born August 4, 1935 in McLean County to the late Martin and Winona (Patton) Atherton. Rupert was a faithful member of No Creek United Methodist Church in Hartford and had served in many offices and capacities of his church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and worked for W.R. Grace for 33 years, retiring from Daramic in 1997. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of Gideon's International.

Rupert was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Barbara VanFleet Atherton, two sons and wives; Alan Dane and Melissa Atherton of Mt. Juliet, TN., and Warren Scott and Paula Atherton of Owensboro, four grandchildren; Nick, Laura, Luke and Leanne Atherton, a sister; Nevaline Wright of Beaver Dam, two brothers; Dale Atherton of Hartford, and Donald Atherton of Norfolk, VA.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday at Glenn Funeral Home with Rev. Tony St. Clair officiating. Burial will follow in Carson Cemetery in Ohio County. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. and after 10 a.m. Monday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to No Creek United Methodist Church, or to Gideons International.