Russell E Atha Jr.

Russell Edmond Atha, Jr. 95 of Mission Hills, Kansas, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 31st, 2016 at home. Russ was born March 27th, 1920, in Mission Hills, Kansas. He attended Principia College and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Business in 1945. Russ married Carolee Dreier in 1946. Their love story lasted nearly 70 years.

He worked briefly as a pilot for TWA, in 1946 Russ became part of the third generation to join the family business, the Folger Coffee Company. He began in the green coffee department. In 1959, Russ became a Vice President and member of Folger’s Board of Directors.

After retiring in 1963, Russ turned his attention to community service and enjoying his family. Russ was an outdoorsman with lifelong interests in sailing at Lake Lotawana and snow skiing in Vail, Colorado. He was a longtime member of the Missouri Yacht Club as well as Mission Hills Country Club. He also was an active member of 6th Church of Christ Scientist.

Russ was devoted to the Boy Scouts of America. He served on several boards and was awarded the highest honor you can receive in Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award in 1972.

Russell E Atha, Jr. is survived by his wife, Carolee Atha, of 69 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell E Atha, Sr. and Helen Eastlake Atha; his siblings Gordon Eastlake Atha, Marvin Eugene Atha and Carolyn Atha Sandlin. His surviving family includes his children, Russell E. Atha, III (Carol), Karen Atha Dunn (Larry), Diane Atha Harriman (Jeff), Perry D. Atha (Kathy), nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

A special thanks from the family is extended to Mary’s Angels and the Hospice group of St. Luke’s for their loving care and assistance. A private memorial service will be held for the family.

Any who wish to make a memorial gift in honor of Russell are encouraged to support: Lake Lotawana Parks and Recreation, 19 B Street, Lake Lotawana, Missouri 64086 and/or Boy Scouts of America, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.