LaFayette Newton Ater

LaFayette N. Ater, 83, of London, died at his home, at 3:16p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2015. He was born on January 5, 1932 in Clarksburg, the son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Downing Ater.

He is survived by five children, Michael (Ann) Ater of Sevierville TN, Debbie (Mike) Wilburn, Becky (Chuck) Gilbert, all of Frankfort, Benny Ater of London, and Tommy (Holly) Ater of Darbydale, 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one expected to be born in August, 6 great great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jennifer Clabo, and three sisters, Ruth Holloway, Betty Woods, and Leora Boggs.

Lafe served in the United States Army, in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper and an MP during the Korean War. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and AmVets, both in London. Lafe worked as a hospital aide for the VA Hospital, Chillicothe, worked at Orient State Institute, and helped build the roof at Scioto Downs. He also painted water towers, worked at Fairfield Homes in London, and started his own construction company, Lafe's Home Improvements, in London.

A funeral service will be held at 1p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015 in the EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, Frankfort, with Lafe's daughter, Becky Gilbert, and Brent Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in Brown's Chapel Cemetery, Clarksburg, where military honors will be accorded. Friends may visit with the Ater family on Friday from 11a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Ebright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 264, Frankfort OH 45628, to assist the family with expenses.