Gerald T. Ater

Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Ater age 85 of Chillicothe passed from this life unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Adena Medical Center. He was born March 31, 1936 in Chillicothe to Wendell and Marjorie (Nangle) Ater.

On June 6, 1959 he and Joyce Butler, the love of his life and who survives, were united in marriage by Father William Patterson at Saint Peters Catholic Church Rectory.

Also surviving are five daughters: Kerry (Rick) Fazzina of Pickerington, Ohio, Cindy (Bob) Bowles, Dawn Ater, Melanie (Jeff) Detty and Jennifer (Marty) Ford all of Chillicothe. Ten Grandchildren: Justin (Erin), Lindsay (Jeff), Jordan, Dalton, Keigan, Rachel, Camryn, Reilly, Madeline and Caroline. Seven Great Grandchildren: Nick, Drew, Lleyton, Mia, Ellie, Asa and Asher. A sister Judy (Phil) Bentley of Florida and brothers Dan Ater of North Carolina and Mike (Dianne) Ater of Texas.

Mr. Ater was employed by Mead Central Research for 14 years, Cellanese Fibre Co and Industrial Nucleonics for a combined 3 years before starting his own Construction business in 1972. Jerry retired from AKM Building Systems in 2015. He was passionate about his work and truly loved what he did for a living. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and was committed to his community serving as Life Director of the Ohio Home Builders Association and serving on the Goodwill Board as well as Ross County Community Improvement. Jerry also devoted countless hours to Habitat for Humanity. He attended Ohio University Chillicothe.

Mr. Ater enjoyed his family, especially their cookouts and sporting events. He was an avid gardener and a lover of life. He found joy and excitement in the simplest of things.

A Funeral Mass for Mr. Ater will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chillicothe at 10am on Monday, January 24, 2022 with Father Lawrence Hummer, Celebrant.  At Mr. Ater’s request calling hours will not be observed. Burial will follow in Brown’s Chapel Cemetery near Clarksburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or the Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME is honored to serve the family.

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