Neal Eugene Ater's Obituary
Decatur-Neal Eugene Ater, 73, of Decatur, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2014 in Decatur Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Neal was born May 15, 1941 in Decatur, the son of Paul and Leota (Waddle) Ater. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired from Firestone. Neal loved fishing, television, playing games, and especially spending time with his family. He married Jeanne McKlin June 20, 1964 in St. Genevieve, Missouri. They shared over fifty years together.
Neal leaves behind his wife Jeanne, son Richard Ater, daughters Barbara Downey and husband Brian and Jeanne Jourdan and husband Samuel, fifteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Neal was reunited in Heaven with his parents, brothers Dean and Donnie Ater, daughter Connie Sue Ater, and great-granddaughter Lakoda Taylor.
Services to celebrate Neal’s life will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2014 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with military honors and “Flight Home” Ceremony to conclude the service. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family in c/o Jeanne Ater.
The family of Neal Eugene Ater is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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