He was born, July 30, 1941 to Ralph Eugene and Ethel Nadine Atherton in Wichita, Kansas.
Roger married the love of his life, Sandra Susan Maphet, March 18, 1962 at Broadway Christian Church. They had 2 children, Randall and Christopher.
He served in the Marine Corps from 1960 - 1964. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, his unit was dispatched to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Roger went on to retire from the United States Postal Service, working as a letter carrier.
Preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Nadine; wife of 61 years, Sandra; brother, Martin Atherton and daughter in law, Sharon Friend.
He is survived by sons; Randall Atherton (Sherry Brown) and Christopher Atherton (Lacey Howell); granddaughter, Emilie Atherton (Bianca Stancil); grandsons; James Atherton and Dawson Atherton; step grandchildren; Nathan Fossler, Breannalyn Todd, Madisyn-Rae Todd; brother, Dale Atherton (Lynda Kraft) and sister; Cynthia Atherton (Kenneth Wilson).
A funeral service for Roger will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM, Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.
Roger and Sandy requested that any charitable gifts be donated to Great Plains Diabetes: 834 N Socora St Suite 4, Wichita, KS 67212, https://greatplainsdiabetes.com/support-us.