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Frank Keith Atherton

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Frank Keith Atherton

Birth
Windham, Cumberland County, Maine, USA
Death
31 Jan 2012 (aged 95)
Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine, USA
Burial
Windham, Cumberland County, Maine, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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From Contributor #48138595 Sally:


Frank Keith Atherton, 95, of Windham, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at Springbrook Center in Westbrook.
He was born in Windham on Sept. 5, 1916, one of nine children of Elsie and Clifford Atherton.
Because of his father's illness, he took on responsibility at an early age, of the family farm for his parents and eight sisters. At age 12, each day before he went to school, Frank began picking up milk from as far away as Otisfield so his Uncle George could deliver it to Oakhurst Dairy.
He graduated from Windham High School, class of 1935, where he played basketball for three years and sang in the chorus all four years. After a brief period at the Dupont Factory in South Windham, in 1942 he began work at American Hoist and Derrick, Crosby Laughlin Division, and retired after 37 years.
Frank was a 65 year member of the Presumpscot Masonic Lodge #70 and over 50 year member of Eastern Star, Kora Shrine and Scottish Rite. He was Past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows and a member of the Pleasant River Grange.
In 1959, Frank married Katherine Sylvester and welcomed her five children into his family. They will be forever grateful.
Frank had many hobbies and loves, chief of which was his skill with building and woodworking. He built two homes in Windham and a camp on Little Sebago Lake. He also helped build the Odd Fellows Hall in Windham and helped many friends and family members build their homes. The lasting memories of the toys and furniture that he and Kay created together will be cherished forever.
An ardent golfer, he played on courses throughout Maine and from their retirement home in Dade City, Fla. He was active all his life, on many bowling teams, snowmobiling, and continued water skiing until age 72!
Frank and Kay traveled extensively with their many friends, on cruises and RVing. He also loved to dance, sing and play cards. Frank was best known for his story telling, his sense of humor and wonderful smile. Every grandchild and great-grandchild loved riding on his John Deere tractor. We are comforted in knowing that he is snow blowing, hauling wood, mowing the lawn and scooping leaves on that great John Deere in the sky.
Frank is survived by his wife and loving partner of 52 years, Katherine (Purington) Atherton and seven children: son Roger (Dorothy) Atherton of Windham; daughter Darlene (Rupert) Morrill of Hebron; daughter Gail (John) Staples of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; son Joseph Sylvester of Hooksett, N.H.; daughter Donna (David) Morton of Casco; daughter Janet (Dale) Morrell of Windham, and daughter Deborah (Michael) Doucette of Lisbon. Frank had 13 grandchildren: Kristine and Donald Atherton, Julie Heikkinen, Christopher Staples, Jill (Christopher) Hoard, Gregory (Tracey) Staples, James (Liz) Sylvester, Benjamin (Katherine) Morton, Jennifer Morton, Darcy (Andy Flaherty) Morrell, Brett (Jennifer) Morrell, Kyle Morrell and Danielle (Thomas) Caron.
The delights of his life were his 13 great-grandchildren, Brandon and Kaitlyn Fogg, Bree Heikkinen, Ryan, Matthew and Amber Hoard, Chase Haines, Blake Ellis, Gabriella and Brenna Morrell, Coleman Flaherty, and Jacob and Graham Caron.
Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Flora (Page) Atherton in 1954 and his eight sisters; Doris, Lois, Marcia, Arline, Marie, Avis, Roberta and Dawn.
From Contributor #48138595 Sally:


Frank Keith Atherton, 95, of Windham, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at Springbrook Center in Westbrook.
He was born in Windham on Sept. 5, 1916, one of nine children of Elsie and Clifford Atherton.
Because of his father's illness, he took on responsibility at an early age, of the family farm for his parents and eight sisters. At age 12, each day before he went to school, Frank began picking up milk from as far away as Otisfield so his Uncle George could deliver it to Oakhurst Dairy.
He graduated from Windham High School, class of 1935, where he played basketball for three years and sang in the chorus all four years. After a brief period at the Dupont Factory in South Windham, in 1942 he began work at American Hoist and Derrick, Crosby Laughlin Division, and retired after 37 years.
Frank was a 65 year member of the Presumpscot Masonic Lodge #70 and over 50 year member of Eastern Star, Kora Shrine and Scottish Rite. He was Past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows and a member of the Pleasant River Grange.
In 1959, Frank married Katherine Sylvester and welcomed her five children into his family. They will be forever grateful.
Frank had many hobbies and loves, chief of which was his skill with building and woodworking. He built two homes in Windham and a camp on Little Sebago Lake. He also helped build the Odd Fellows Hall in Windham and helped many friends and family members build their homes. The lasting memories of the toys and furniture that he and Kay created together will be cherished forever.
An ardent golfer, he played on courses throughout Maine and from their retirement home in Dade City, Fla. He was active all his life, on many bowling teams, snowmobiling, and continued water skiing until age 72!
Frank and Kay traveled extensively with their many friends, on cruises and RVing. He also loved to dance, sing and play cards. Frank was best known for his story telling, his sense of humor and wonderful smile. Every grandchild and great-grandchild loved riding on his John Deere tractor. We are comforted in knowing that he is snow blowing, hauling wood, mowing the lawn and scooping leaves on that great John Deere in the sky.
Frank is survived by his wife and loving partner of 52 years, Katherine (Purington) Atherton and seven children: son Roger (Dorothy) Atherton of Windham; daughter Darlene (Rupert) Morrill of Hebron; daughter Gail (John) Staples of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; son Joseph Sylvester of Hooksett, N.H.; daughter Donna (David) Morton of Casco; daughter Janet (Dale) Morrell of Windham, and daughter Deborah (Michael) Doucette of Lisbon. Frank had 13 grandchildren: Kristine and Donald Atherton, Julie Heikkinen, Christopher Staples, Jill (Christopher) Hoard, Gregory (Tracey) Staples, James (Liz) Sylvester, Benjamin (Katherine) Morton, Jennifer Morton, Darcy (Andy Flaherty) Morrell, Brett (Jennifer) Morrell, Kyle Morrell and Danielle (Thomas) Caron.
The delights of his life were his 13 great-grandchildren, Brandon and Kaitlyn Fogg, Bree Heikkinen, Ryan, Matthew and Amber Hoard, Chase Haines, Blake Ellis, Gabriella and Brenna Morrell, Coleman Flaherty, and Jacob and Graham Caron.
Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Flora (Page) Atherton in 1954 and his eight sisters; Doris, Lois, Marcia, Arline, Marie, Avis, Roberta and Dawn.

Inscription

ATHERTON
1916 FRANK K. 2012
HIS WIFE
1916 FLORA I. 1954
2ND WIFE
1928 KATHERINE P.
INFANT SON 1940



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