He attended Woodruff High School and Bradley University, and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, interning at Johns Hopkins in Detroit. He had a private OB/GYN Board Certified practice in Peoria for 30 years.

He was very proud of the 2,000-plus babies he brought into the world (including his granddaughters), along with assisting in adoptions for many grateful families. He still is admired by many in the medical field and social contacts in the area.

He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Emeritus Member Illinois State Medical Society and American Medical Association.

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army in World War II, attaining the rank of captain.

He enjoyed travel, sailing and had a private pilot's license. He retired to Hot Springs, Ark., and returned to Peoria to be near family and friends last October.

Survivors include daughter, Kristal Atherton (Michael Chalmers) of Warrenville, Ill.; son, Jeffrey (Vicki) Atherton of Brimfield, Ill.; granddaughters, Amy Atherton of California and Sarah (Jason) Thyne of Iowa; great-grandson, Jackson Thyne; and two nieces and nephews.

Visitation was Monday, April 20, at The Wilton Mortuary, 2101 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be created for Jackson in care of Kristal Atherton.

Graveside services were Tuesday, April 21, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pulaski, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Military honors were accorded by area veterans.

Crain Funeral Home of Ullin, Ill., is in charge of arrangements in both Peoria and southern Illinois. Call 1-866-592-7246 for information, or to leave an online condolence, visit www.crainsonline.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Apr. 19 to Apr. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Atherton

27 Entries

Don Wilkinson

October 26, 2009

Kristal,
It was great talking with you the other day. First of all, my heart goes out to you, your family and friends. Your Dad was such a great guy and was always very nice to me and treated me with respect. And what a cool car he had. I remember him letting me drive the GTO only if I would fill up those 3 red metal gas cans he kept in the trunk. YIKES ! I also remember him picking me up some Pop Tarts for my school locker during baseball season. Not very many people would take the time or even care about such a small task. He seemed to always have a smile and loved you very much. How about the Trans Am for your birthday? What an awesome Dad!
My prayers for peace and tranquility are for you...

Carol and Paul Wiesler

October 13, 2009

Dearest Kristal and Mike,
We were so sorry to learn of Lee's death. Your care and concern for your father was very evident and this alone should give you great solace. We love you and want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love,

Peggy Lisenbee

September 22, 2009

Dear Atherton Family, I was saddened to read of the passing of Dr. Atherton, he was a very special man. I became a patient of his when I was 8 yrs old, I had an undiagnosed tumor, probably since birth. He was such a nice man, looking back now at the age of 50, I think of what a traumatic experience that was for a young girl. But it really wasn't as traumatic as you would think, because of the kind of man he was. After having several surgeries at Mayo Clinic several years later (where he referred me) and the wonderful care I received from him, I was blessed with two daughters. I simply wanted to share with you the mark your father left on my life, and send deepest sympathy. God Bless, Peggy Lisenbee

Becky DeRubeis

September 10, 2009

Dear Kristal,
I was so glad to hear from you and yet so sorry and saddened at the loss of your father. I first met Lee when I went to work for Doctors Irving and Leonard Favus. He delivered my son and barely missed delivering my daughter. He was not only my ob/gyn but also my forever friend. A piece of my heart is gone with him. He loved his kids and just loved life. Our memories are sometimes the only things that keep us going and he will always be one of mine. Prayers and Thoughts,

Becky Staats DeRubeis

Bob Markgraf

September 3, 2009

Dear Kristal,

You have my heartfelt condolences and prayers. Heaven just became a better place. I have found that death can unite what life sometimes can not.

Attorney Janet Moore

September 3, 2009

Kristal, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Although he was a little frail when he left Hot Springs, he did not look that ill. My condolences you and your family. It was a pleasure to have met your fath. He was such a gentleman.

Hot Springs, AR

Rudy & Pat Strnot

September 1, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Lee Atherton. My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing Lee when my husband was a dermatologist in Gallesburg, IL. Lee had my husband do some cosmetic procedures for him. He would always stay over and visit with us until it was safe to remove any dressings. He did not want to go home and have any of his patients see him with lots of bandages, it might frighten an expectant mother into an early delivery.
He told us of once taking his son to a small, remote, hard to reach Hawaiian island. As he relaxed on the isolated beach, a woman came up and exclaimed, "Oh, Dr. Atherton, I thought that was you!" We said he was just world famous.
He stopped into visit us even after we moved to Nebraska. We use to always correspond at Christmas but lost touch when he moved. We are sorry to learn that we will not have a chance to see him again. He was a gentle, caring physician and friend.

Arlene Crane

August 5, 2009

Leon will be long remembered

Philip Crane

August 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Ralph & Ethel Coletta

June 6, 2009

I lost one of my best friends with your dad's passing. I recall so many wonderful times of laughter I had with your dad. When your parents got married, I stood up for them. I guess this is what happens when you live to be 87, you loose your best buddies. Fondly

Lois McQueen

May 15, 2009

I just found out today about Lee's passing. He delivered my three sons and became friends with my husband and me. He was such a treasure. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Terri Kirkman

May 14, 2009

To the family of Dr. Leon Atherton,I was very sorry to hear of the passing of the Dr.He not only delivered me,[I am 54]but my 3 children;36,25&23.He was a very good Dr.and always managed to take care of all his patients,working alone.He always kept a calm and friendly disposition.May the Lord comfort you all in your loss.

May 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I met Lee in 1944 while he was a med student at U of I in Chicago. I was privileged to attend his graduation. I will always remember him as kind and courteous and never with anger.

Marge Musgrave

April 24, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dr Atherton delivered my two kids in 1965 and 1968 and he was the best doctor I ever had. Sort of like Dr. Welby.I really missed him when he retired and went to Hot Springs.He was a wonderful man and doctor. You have my deepest sympathy.

Marguerite Prosio

April 22, 2009

Kristal, I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I know you were always so concerned about his care and his blessings will always be shining down on you and your family. My prayers are with you. Take Care.

Tracy Kramer-Troxell

April 21, 2009

Kristal, I tried to send this yesterday and mine must of also been lost. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how close you and your dad were. I have alot of great memories of your dad,the house on Picture Ridge with all the fun get togethers and that awesome car we got to drive in. He was a cool guy! He did a great job raising you Kristal, you were both very blessed to have each other. Thanks for the memories...

Ellen Keyster

April 20, 2009

I guess mine got lost on the Crain website too.
To the family of Dr. Leon Atherton,
I'd like to extend my sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Atherton delivered my four children; just a few of the 2000 plus babies. For his knowledge and wisdom, my husband and I will always have the greatest respect. He made an unconventional call in the delivery room 34 years ago during the birth of our twins. Twins were not expected (sonograms were not routine) and the delivery of the second twin was quite difficult. His decision and procedure led to TWO healthy, bright boys. As he said,"Four minutes in the delivery room can make more difference than four years at the best university" in how a child develops. He was referring to oxygen deprivation that often affected the second twin (before c-sections became popular). I had every confidence in Dr. Atherton with my next two pregancies. His humor, skills, intelligence, and somewhat old-fashioned ideas made him an outstanding individual. I'll always be thankful and proud to have known such a kind, capable man as Dr. Atherton.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones.

Cyndi Cox

April 20, 2009

Kristal, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. He was such a nice and neat Dad and person and know you two were always close. I can remember so many good memories of you with him, not so sure he'd agree of them (us) being good, but he was a great guy and a great Dad to you. Its one of the best things in life to be thankful for and know you will keep is wonderful memories in your heart. He always was so very proud of you! Sending lots of love and will be thinking of you.

April 20, 2009

Gee whiz, I wrote so well first time around (but lost it I think) on the Crain website...
To the family of Dr. Leon Atherton,
My deepest condolences at the loss of your father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. Although I am very far away, my heart is with you during these difficult days. I did not really know the man, so I can share no fond memories or anecdotes. But I know the daughter he helped raise which to me is his greatest of testaments. She is beautiful inside and out and has been ever since Hines grade school. She remains one of my favorite people and most admired friends. He must have been a heck of a man. Sending love and hugs and kisses to you, Kristal,
~ Rena Fredman, Jerusalem, Israel

Marsha Weld

April 20, 2009

Dr. Atherton was a wonderful doctor, wish there were more doctors with his compassion for his patients. I really missed him when he retired. My daughter was one of those 2,000 plus babies he brought into the world on February 21st, 1981. God Bless him and his family.

Donna Kay

April 20, 2009

I've known Kristal for 23 years and throughout those years I've heard wonderful stories about her well respected father. Although I have never met Mr. Atherton, through Kristal I feel like I've known him as long as her. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your wonderful father, may he rest in peace.

Nancy Boehm

April 19, 2009

Kristal, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I never knew him, but you are my good friend so I feel the loss with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and for your Dad. God is taking good care of him now.

America Suzuki

April 19, 2009

I am sorry to hear about your loss. He was a wonderful doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Lisa (Selburg) Schafer

April 19, 2009

Dear Kristal and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. May your memories of your dad bring you much comfort. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Irene Drallmeier

April 19, 2009

Kristal and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for allowing me to help you get his Hot Springs property sold. I'm very glad you had these last few months with him

Steve Peterburs

April 19, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Melba Wells

April 19, 2009

I have known Lee for 53 yrs .. Wonderful man . I enjoyed alot of good tmes with him . Very dear friend ..........

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results