Joseph Benford Atherton's Obituary
A 71-year resident of Jackson, Joe passed away peacefully on May 19, 2015 in Fort Myers, Florida at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Barbara Atherton, who had cared for him for the past five years. At 98, he was the oldest but last surviving of 13 siblings. Joe joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Paducah, KY (1935-1939) and became a Master Cook. He married Lorraine (Hicks) in 1938. Their son, Robert, was born in 1939. That same year, he moved his family to Jackson and went to work at Frost Gear, which later became Clark Equipment. He retired on May 1, 1975 after 35 years of service. In 1949, Joe became a single parent and devotedly raised his son until he moved away in 1960. In 1961, he married Georgia (Duncan), also of Jackson. Her two grown children, Mary Carolyn (Kitty) and Michael (Mickey) survive, as well as the Duncan grandchildren, Robby and Robin (Harrington), who treated Joe as their grandfather. The Atherton survivors include: Grandson Robert II (Deanna) and his three children Jessica, Aaron and Joseph (Joe's namesake) and two great-granddaughters. Granddaughter Kristine Fulcher (Shawn) and her two children Desiree and Adam. A special sister-in-law, Wilma Atherton, and several nieces and nephews live in the Detroit area. Joe has been returned to Jackson for burial at Roseland Memorial Gardens next to his wife, Georgia, who died in 1995. The family will receive visitors at Nichols-Arthur Funeral Home in Michigan Center on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm and on Monday from 5 to 7 pm. Services will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 26 at 2 pm. Memorial contributions in Joe's name to Hope Health Care Services in Bonita Springs, FL would be greatly appreciated. (27200 Imperial Pkwy., Bonita Springs, FL 34135).
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