Paul Atwater
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Obituary for Paul G. Atwater

ELKHART – Paul G. Atwater, 92, of Elkhart passed away at 12:46 PM on January 30, 2013 at Elkhart General Hospital.
He was born on August 25, 1920 in Elkhart, to Ross and Beulah Atwater.
On December 14th, 1946, he married Emma Jean Lund, of Elkhart, who preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 2006.
He is survived by his youngest brother, Vernon Atwater, of Elkhart, his oldest daughter Kay Nichols, of Elkhart, and his youngest son, Kirby Atwater, of Barrington, IL. He also is survived by grandsons, Brad Nichols, of Goshen, Jeff Balyeat, of Goshen, Casey Balyeat of Aurora, CO, and Sean Atwater of Barrington, and granddaughter Sheridan Atwater of Barrington, as well as five great grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his middle brother Dale Atwater of Goshen, his first son, John Ross Atwater, his youngest daughter, Karen Balyeat, and her son, Kelly Balyeat.
Paul graduated from Elkhart High School in 1939. His first job out of high school was at C.G. Conn as an assembly line worker and that summer, played baseball in a semi-professional league for Conn.
In the spring of 1940 he was signed to a professional contract by the St. Louis Cardinals organization. During his tenure with the Cardinals, he played in West Virginia in the Mountain State League, then later in Columbus, GA in the South Atlantic League.
He worked for the New York Central Railroad beginning in 1941. After the beginning of World War II, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy in the fall of 1942, and served until his discharge in 1946. He continued working for the railroad, as his father did, until his retirement in August of 1983. He was proud of his career as an engineer.
Paul adored all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He played golf for many years and loved to watch professional golf and baseball as a die-hard Cub fan. He was an avid reader of history, science and aerospace.
Travel was one of his most enjoyable activities, and he loved to go on cruises, and spending some summer weeks in Myrtle Beach. He took his family in their RV on many trips all across the country and visited the majority of the United States during his travels.
At Paul’s request, there will be no viewing and cremation will take place. Graveside services will be on Saturday at Rice Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be sent at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

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