Lee Atha

Gilbert Lee Atha, age 91, a resident of Portland, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015, at Persimmon Ridge in Portland.

Lee was born on February 10, 1923, in Portland, Indiana, the son of Dorsey and Garnet (Doty) Atha.  He graduated from Portland High School in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict.  Lee retired from Sheller Globe in Portland after 40 years of service.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #211 of Portland where he served as Past Commander.  He was also a member of the 40&8 Club and VFW Post #2840, DAV Post #24.  He first married Alline Brown in 1942 and she passed away in 1943.  He later married Reba Brown in 1946, Tillie Boverhof on March 20, 1953 and Mary K. Lewis on January 26, 1980 and she passed away on December 26, 2013.

Survivors include:

1 son:  Lee Atha, Jr.(companion Brenda) – Anderson, Indiana

1 daughter:  Nancy Lee Williams (companion Fred) – Alexandria, Indiana

1 step-daughter: Sandy Shaver (husband DeWayne) – Portland, Indiana

1 sister:  Marie Schooley – Portland, Indiana

7 grandchildren and several great grandchildren

Visitation will be held on Monday from 12 noon – 2 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland.  Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday.  Pastor Wayne Ward will officiate and burial will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, west of Bryant.  The Portland American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military graveside rites.

Memorials may be directed towards the donor’s choice.