Aug. 25, 1920 - Jan. 30, 2013

ELKHART - Paul G. Atwater, 92, of Elkhart, passed away at 12:46 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Aug. 25, 1920, in Elkhart, to Ross and Beulah Atwater. On Dec. 14, 1946, he married Emma Jean Lund of Elkhart. She preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 2006.

He is survived by his youngest brother, Vernon Atwater of Elkhart; his oldest daughter, Kay Nichols of Elkhart; and his youngest son, Kirby Atwater of Barrington, Ill. He also is survived by his grandsons, Brad Nichols of Goshen, Jeff Balyeat of Goshen, Casey Balyeat of Aurora, Colo., and Sean Atwater of Barrington; granddaughter Sheridan Atwater of Barrington; as well as five great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his middle brother, Dale Atwater of Goshen; his first son, John Ross Atwater; his youngest daughter, Karen Balyeat; and her son, Kelly Balyeat.

Paul graduated from Elkhart High School in 1939. His first job out of high school was at C.G. Conn as an assembly line worker. That summer he played baseball in a semi-professional league for Conn.

In the spring of 1940 he was signed to a professional contract by the St. Louis Cardinals organization. During his tenure with the Cardinals, he played in West Virginia in the Mountain State League, then in Columbus, Ga., in the South Atlantic League.

He worked for New York Central Railroad beginning in 1941. After the beginning of World War II, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1942 and served until his discharge in 1946. He continued working for the railroad, as his father did, until his retirement in August 1983. He was proud of his career as an engineer.

Paul adored all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He played golf for many years and loved to watch professional golf and baseball as a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He was an avid reader of history, science and aerospace books.

Travel was one of his most enjoyed activities. He loved to go on cruises and to spend some summer weeks in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He took his family in their RV on many trips all across the country and visited the majority of the U.S. during his travels.

At Paul's request, there will be no viewing and cremation will take place. Graveside services will be Saturday at Rice Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

Barbara (Fackelman) Dempsey, Edwardsburg, MI Kay: I was so sorry to hear of your dad's death. My sister called and told me. I have such fond memories of the bonds between our parents and the times we all spent together as we were growing up. I think that I last saw your dad at my mother's funeral in June 2010. He was such a great guy! You are in my thoughts, of course, as is the rest of your family. Barbara Dempsey

Enid Schmitt, Elkhart, IN Kay, sorry to hear about your loss. We all know how hard it is to loose a parent no matter our age. Enid Schmitt

Dwight (Bud) Yoder, Elkhart, IN Sorry for the loss of Paul, regrets to the family, I remember Paul and Gene for our church Grace lutheran.. friend to many and an great human being..

Janet Atwater, Goshen, IN So many special memories of Paul coming to our house,sitting on our porch swing drinking coffee & eating donuts & solving the world problems with Dale @ I ! He will be missed.

Judi Wesdorp, Elkhart, IN Kay, Henri and I have so many good memories of your dad. I remember he and your mom coming by the house with the RV to pick up Andy and his bike, roller blades, fishing pole, and various other sports equipment. Brad, Jeff, Andy and Jason would go for a few days filled with so much fun!! I remember your dad as always smiling, just like the picture :). Love, Judi and Henri

Jeanne (Perron) Kern, Elkhart, IN Kirby, So sorry for your loss. I was hoping to see you while you were in town. Prayers to you and your family.

Chuck Pease, Murrells Inlet, SC Vern - my condolences on the passing of your brother. To live to 92 can be a goal for all of us.