Donald Lee Atherton

Don graduated from Garden City High School. He served in the Army and received a Bachelor Degree in Education. He met Earlyne on a blind date and they were married 6 months later. He shared his interest in rocks and stamps with his daughters and was a long-time member of the Wichita Stamp Club and the Wichita Gem & Mineral Society. For several years, Don coached the students at All Saints Catholic School in the Gem & Mineral Category for the Science Olympiad. Some of his other favorite hobbies included photography, history, bird watching at home, Bingo and visiting the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Don is survived by daughter Clarissa Atherton Gass; son-in-law Troy Nichols; brother Robert Atherton; sister-in-law Carolyne Keith; grandchildren Matthew Nichols (Ashley), James Gass III (Suong), Jessica Gass, Jennifer Castro (Carlos) and Caitlin Gass; and great-grandchildren, Bella, Connor, Enzo, Amara, Joy, Ethan, Skyler, Olivia, Chloe, Carson and Carly.

Don is preceded in death by wife Earlyne Walker Atherton; daughter Shirlyne Nichols; father Harry Atherton; mother Mearl Atherton; and brother Dennis Atherton.

A Celebration of Life for Donald will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E 13Th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67206.