Donald AtenDonald Aten
Donald Eugene Aten, 82, of Rushville died at 11:05 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
He was born Jan. 11, 1926, in Fulton County, a son of Leslie and Mildred Curless Aten. He married Margie Tutt on Jan. 18, 1950, in Rushville. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Cheri (and Roger) Baker of Rushville; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Carroll Aten; and one niece, Mindy Aten Quinn.
Don was a 1943 graduate of Rushville High School and attended University of Illinois for one year, before he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during the Battle of the Bulge.
After his discharge, he worked at Cudahay’s in Rushville for several years. He farmed until Jan. 15, 2008.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rushville, Schuyler American Legion Post #4 and served on the board of Schuyler County Farm Bureau. He also served on the board of Schuyler County ASCS office and was awarded the Master Farm Family Award in 2007 by the Schuyler County Ag Day committee.
Services were held Saturday at Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Mary Arnold officiating. Burial was in Rushville City Cemetery with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army Burial Detail and his legion post.
Memorials may be made to his church or Schuyler-Industry School District’s FFA.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.