ATHA, JAMES RICHARD "DICK" - James Richard "Dick" Atha, 79,
of Daytona Beach, Fla., died Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 at the Terrace of Daytona
Beach. He was born March 10, 1929 to the late Albert and Bertha Atha in
Ada. He lived in Casstown for 30 years, moved to Brandt in 1989 and then
retired to Dayton Beach. Atha was a member of the Milestone Club and
retired from Hobert Brothers Company after 40 years. He was affiliated with
the Casstown-Brandt Evangelical and Holy Cross Lutheran Churches and had
formerly been a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Moose Lodge, Miami
Fish and Game, and served as Commissioner for Boy Scout Troop 544. He was
instrumental in starting the Lostcreek Baseball Association and served as
president of the league. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley;
son, Richard Atha and Sue Fine of Wasilla, Alaska; two daughters, Patty
Moore of Daytona Beach, Fla., Becky and Thomas Lewis of Casstown; two
sisters, Catherine and George Heiling of San Diego, Calif., Mary Lomen of
Lima; grandchildren, Dustin and Keri Moore of Mountain Home, Idaho, Joshua
Lewis of Mountain Home, Idaho, Jordan Lewis of Casstown, Austin Atha of
Daytona Beach, Fla.; great grandchildren, Nikolas and Kaydence Moore, and
Hayden and Hunter Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents and
brother-in-law Earl Lomen of Lima. Funeral services were held Dec. 27 at
the Lost Creek United Church of Christ in Casstown with Pastor Jason Egbert
officiating. Arrangements by Baird Funeral home. In lieu of flowers the
family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Association of Volusia
County, 140 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 or Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32119. Condolences
can be sent to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.