Terry David Ater

Terry David Ater, age 70, of Clarksburg, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, February 7, 2013, at his home. Terry was born on May 22, 1942, to the late Glen Elwood and Nell (Martin) Ater. On July 29, 1966, he married his best gal and the love of his life, the former Mary Ellen Cook, who survives.

Also surviving to cherish his memory are their loving children: Bret (Lesley) Ater, Brad (Maegan) Ater, Amy (Jeremy) Bush, and Brian Ater; precious grandchildren: Evan, Joedy, Sydney, and Avery Ater, and Hudson Bush; twin sisters Carolyn (Mike) Hummel and Marilyn (Tom) Kern, nephews: Ryan Hardy, John and Dawson Cook; niece, Sarah Hardy; aunts, Ruth (George) Skinner, Becky Ater, Pat Martin, Betty (Bob) Roe, Marilyn (Moe) Oliver, the Ater and Martin cousins and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his in-laws; Earl and Rosemary Cook; grandparents, Glenn and Carol Ater, Otis and Anna Martin; uncles, Joe, Jack (Carol), Earl "Deak" Ater, Hoyt (Helen) Martin, Joe Martin, and Jim Martin; aunt, Helen (Bill) Marsh; as well as cousins, Larry and Sam Martin and Bill and Dan Marsh.

Terry, a 1960 graduate of Clarksburg High School, was a basketball and baseball star in high school and at Otterbein College, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. He later earned his Master's Degree from Ohio University. In 2010, Terry was inducted into the Clarksburg High School Hall of Fame.

Terry started his 45-year teaching career at Circleville Junior School, followed by J.A. Smith Middle School and Westfall High School. Because of his love for students, Terry continued to substitute teach at Adena High School.

Next to family and friends, Terry had a passion for race horses and continued the Ater Stables that his father and grandfather established in 1955. In heaven, the three of them and the Ater uncles are jogging Stake Knife, Amater and Bulletin, three of Terry's favorite horses. He took pride in keeping Arts Melody Man, Magical Cruisater, and Mantaculater ready for the track. As an owner, trainer and driver, he was a longtime member of The United States Trotting Association. Terry enjoyed bowling, gardening, woodworking, and pitching horseshoes.

Family and friends will miss Terry's generosity, love, wit and creativity. Visitation will be held at the Clarksburg United Methodist Church, where Terry was a devoted member, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2013. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at the church on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jerry Caddell officiating. Burial will follow in Brown's Chapel Cemetery, Clarksburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider a scholarship donation in his memory to benefit a graduating senior at Adena High School. Memorial contributions can be mailed to: Terry D. Ater Memorial Scholarship c/o LCNB "Citizen's National Bank" Clarksburg Branch, PO Box 188, Clarksburg, OH 43115.