Daniel Ray Atha

Celebration of Life services will 10:30 am August 22, 2025 at Garber Methodist Church.

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Dan was born November 28, 1937 in West Plains, MO to U.C. (Bo) and Hazel Lile Atha.

Dan graduated from West Plains High School in 1955 and Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State) in Springfield, MO in 1959. Dan married Bettie Elizabeth Sears May 31,1959 in West Plains. He served in the United States Army and Army reserve from 1959-1967.

Dan later earned his Master's and Doctor of Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He taught at the University of Tulsa, the University of South Alabama, and Morehead State University.

In 1973, Dan and Bettie moved to Belton, TX where Dan taught for 29 years at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. During his tenure, Dan served as athletic director and chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department.

Dan was a member of Garber Methodist Church, the Agape Sunday School class, and the Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study. In Texas, Dan served as a deacon, chairman of the deacons, and Sunday School teacher.

Dan believed in Jesus Christ and was known for his Scripture memory, Bible knowledge, and his generosity.

Dan is survived by his daughter Julie Williams of Bend, Oregon and Pastor Matthew Atha (Monica) of New Bern; four grandchildren: Michael Conn (Xandra) of Bend, OR; Christie Matlock (Ben) of Ada, OK; Zeke Atha (Elise) of Paris, KY and Zack Atha of New Bern; three great grandchildren; one sister, Brenda Jackson (Rob) of West Plains, MO. He is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Bettie) Ann Sears Atha of 60 years, his parents U. C. and Hazel Atha of West Plains, MO; his brother, Dr. Larry Atha of Huntsville, AL, and one sister, Loretta of West Plains.

The family expresses appreciation to 3HC Hospice, the Crystal Coast Hospice House, and the Agape Sunday School class for their excellent and loving care. A Celebration of Life service will be held later in the summer at Garber Methodist Church.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Atha family.