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Lee Atwater Obituary
81, with family by his side, passed away April 12, 2012. He was born on August 4, 1930 in Walsh, Colorado. He was the second of twelve children born to parents Roscoe and Nora Atwater. In 1949 he married Betty Jo Kilgore and together they raised three children. Over the years, and with much pleasure, he saw the family grow to include 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Lee was a heavy equipment operator, a member of Local 428 Operating Engineers. His work in construction brought them to live in many towns across Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. A work opportunity brought the family to Flagstaff in 1967. They moved to Phoenix in 1977 where he continued to work until retirement. He retired as General Superintendent from Wheeler Construction in 1995. Just prior to retirement, they moved to the small community of Pine, AZ. He loved playing his guitar, creating treasures in his garage, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. His legacy is one filled with love, dedication and commitment to family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 62 years, son Gary (Pam) Atwater of Peoria, AZ, daughters Barbara (Lonnie) West of Flagstaff, AZ, and Brenda (Michael) Espino of Pinetop, AZ. He is also survived by sisters Lola Drake, Fern Bennett, Rita Bennett and brothers Ervin, Dennis and Larry Atwater. The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on April 21, 2012 at 11:00 am at 6781 W. Camino de Oro in Peoria, AZ. Anyone attending is encouraged to bring and share their special stories and memories.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lee Atwater
6 Entries
Susan Weymouth
April 20, 2012
Our thoughts will be with all of you as you celebrate Lee's life tomorrow. He will be greatly missed. Before my father (Lee's uncle Walter) passed away, he said he wanted his ashes buried with his brother, Winter, because they had such great times together and he was looking forward to more. My mother, Florence, has said how much my dad loved Lee. Now, they are all together along with so many who have gone before. We miss them all but know that it is part of the cycle of life and that they are now at rest and peace.
April 19, 2012
We don't always know the difference we make in other people's lives. I know Lee didn't. Yet he has affected so many in so many different ways. He always seamed to have a smile or words of encouragement at the right moment. That is something Lee has done for me many times. Mostly he did it with his sense of humor. He was always the first person around anytime there was an illness, tragedy or death in the family. He has always loved and supported all of us. I always felt that if he did not know what to say or do he would just pick up his guitar and sing. That was always calming to me. His influence has helped me in ways big and small. I appreciate him and the difference knowing him has made in my life. It is a real privilege being a part of this family. I have a life time of memories and affection for him that will always be there. He will be greatly missed.
To Aunt Betty, Gary, Barbara and Brenda. I love you all dearly. Lee was a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Love Donna
Brenda (West ) Durham
April 18, 2012
The heavens just got alot brighter with a new shining star. You are loved and will be missed. May God bless and comfort family and friends through this time.
Mike Nelson
April 18, 2012
To the Atwater Family, Lee was a hard man. He was tough. But really enjoyed him in my later days at Wheeler. He will be missed and hope all is well with your family!!
Mike and Shannon Nelson (Wickenburg)
Julie Drinkard
April 18, 2012
You will be dearly missed Uncle Lee! Thank you for welcoming me and my 3 girls into the family when I married Lloyd 9 years ago.
To Gary, Barb, and Brenda...What an amazing man he was and I feel very lucky to have been part of his life and your wonderful family. My heart goes out to all of you, cherish the memories they will last forever!!
Dori West
April 18, 2012
You will be greatly missed..
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Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027
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