Aug. 25, 1920 - Jan. 30, 2013

ELKHART — Paul G. Atwater, 92, of Elkhart, passed away at 12:46 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Aug. 25, 1920, in Elkhart, to Ross and Beulah Atwater. On Dec. 14, 1946, he married Emma Jean Lund of Elkhart. She 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, Ill. He also is survived by his grandsons, Brad Nichols of Goshen, Jeff Balyeat of Goshen, Casey Balyeat of Aurora, Colo., and Sean Atwater of Barrington; 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. That summer he 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 in Columbus, Ga., in the South Atlantic League.

He worked for New York Central Railroad beginning in 1941. After the beginning of World War II, Paul enlisted in the U.S. 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 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 Chicago Cubs fan. He was an avid reader of history, science and aerospace books.

Travel was one of his most enjoyed activities. He loved to go on cruises and to spend some summer weeks in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He took his family in their RV on many trips all across the country and visited the majority of the U.S. during his travels.

At Paul’s request, there will be no viewing and cremation will take place. Graveside services will be Saturday at Rice Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

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