Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Atha Obituary
Oxford - Richard "Dick" Atha, 88, of Oxford, died, Thursday, February 6, 2020. He was born, September 21, 1931, in Lafayette, to the late Richard & Barbara (Bolling) Atha. He was a 1949 graduate of Otterbein High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree, from Indiana State Teachers' College in 1957, Certification in Driver's Education, from Purdue University, in 1958, Masters of Science Degree, Guidance & Counseling, from Purdue University in 1964 & Masters Degree plus 30 Semester Hours, obtained his Principal's License, from Purdue University, in 1970. He served in the United States Army from November, 1953 to September, 1955. He married, Rita (Myers) Atha, June 1, 1957, in Rockville; she died, September 5, 2012. He married Barbara (Hay Sondgerath) Atha, September 19, 2015, in Oxford; she survives.
A few, of Dick's many Life Experiences, as told by Dick, include: Playing in the National Basketball Association, for the New York Knickerbockers & Detroit Pistons, 1955-1957. Teaching Experience: taught Typing, Bookkeeping, General Business, Physical Education, Health Education & Driver's Education, at Oxford High School, 1958-1964; School Counselor (K-12), at Oxford High School, 1964-1968; Vocational Counselor, at Benton Central Area Vocational School, 1968-1970; Assistant Principal, at Benton Central Sr. High School, 1970-1972; Principal, at Benton Central Sr. High School, 1972-1984 & Athletic Director, administering 18 Varsity sports & 10 Jr. High sports, at Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School, 1984-1997 (serving 39 years in the same school district). Coaching Experience: Head Baseball Coach, at Oxford High School, 1958-1968, Head Jr. Varsity & Varsity Basketball Coach, at Oxford High School, 1958-1968, Head Track Coach, at Oxford High School, 1958-1966, Head Cross Country Coach, at Oxford High School, 1959-1966, Head Golf Coach, at Oxford High School, 1962-1968. Several years he coached 5 sports & had separate practices for Jr. Varsity & Varsity Basketball. Head Cross Country Coach, at Benton Central High School, 1968, Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach, at Benton Central High School, 1968-1970, Head Baseball Coach, at Benton Central High School, 1969-1971 & while Principal he started & was Head Coach, of the Girls' Basketball program at Benton Central High School, 1975-1976. Dick was a member of Indiana State Teachers' Association, National Education Association, Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association & an active/loyal member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Oxford; where he was a Lector & Commentator, taught 7th & 8th Grade Catechism & CCD for 50 years. He also, served on the Oxford Swim Pool Board, Oxford Town Council, 1971-1991 & serving as Council President, 1983-1991. Dick was extremely active & supportive of Oxford Community Baseball, organizing & coaching Little League, Pony League & Jr. Legion Baseball. He was also a Volunteer Coach for 5th & 6th Grade Basketball. A few of the Honors & Awards, that Dick received over the years include, Helms Foundation Basketball All-American, 1953, NAIA All-Tournament Team, 1953, inducted into the Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame, 1984, inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 1988, had the new Multi-purpose Gym, at Benton Central, name the Richard Atha Physical Education Complex, 1990, Recognized on the Floor of the 108th Indiana General Assembly, 2nd Session, with a Resolution of Appreciation for his contributions to Basketball & his Community, received the Edgar P. Williams Award of Outstanding Educational Service to Benton Community, 1994, received the Charles F. Maas Service Award for District 1 of the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, 1996, nominated for Athletic Director of the year for Indiana District 1, chosen as the Indiana Athletic Director of the Year, 1997, chosen as the Athletic Director of the Year, by West Central Junior Conference , Middle School Athletic Conference, 1997, named a Sagamore on the Wabash by Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon, for contributions to School & Community, 1997, named to the Indiana State University Sycamore Basketball All-Century Team, 1999 & received the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Distinguished Service Award, 2003. Dick had a strong belief in Sportsmanship & being a good teammate; that is the reason he started the Annual Sportsmanship Award Banquet, for the past 27 years. He was a life-long die hard Cubs fan & his life-long dream came true, when his beloved Cubs won the World Series, in 2016.
Dick is survived by his Wife, Barbara Atha, his 8 Children: Daughters: Debb DeWit (husband, Al), Keely Muller (husband, Randy), Sarah Kissinger (husband, Ted), Mary Bohn (husband, Chris) & Barbara "Boo" Holmes (husband, Brian) and Sons: Rich Atha, Mike Atha (wife, Michelle), and John Atha (wife, Mary), 25 Grandchildren: Natalie Fultz (husband, Charlie), Christyn Unzueta (husband, Jesus), Emily Newlin (husband Jason), Meghann VanderHoff (husband, Ben), Meredith Kesler (husband, Doug), Clint (wife, Liz), Nick & Marcus Patterson, Joe (wife, Christina) Atha, Elizabeth (husband, Josh) Krout, Jake, Olivia& Abby Kissinger, Deegan, Mason, Kelby, Lily, Josi Rita & Jaden Atha, Nathan, Julia & Cooper Bohn, Bryson & Baylon Holmes & Crystal Mansour (husband, Thamer), 32 Great- Grandchildren, Brother Dave (wife, Veronica) Atha, 5 Step-Children, Thad (wife, Carin) Sondgerath, Shana (husband, Rob) Bushman, Jane (husband, Scott) Dieterle, Maria (husband, Ed) Pearson & Alex Sondgerath & several Nieces & Nephews. He is preceded in death by 1st Wife, Rita Atha & Brother Dan Atha.
Visitation will be, Monday, February 10, 2020, from 3:30-8 PM, in the Atha Gym, at Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School, 4241 East 300 South, Oxford, IN, use door #17 Athletic entrance. Funeral Mass, at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 11, 2022, the Arena Gym, at Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School, 4241 East 300 South, Oxford, IN, use door #17 Athletic entrance with Father Robert Klemme officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or Benton Community Foundation (Memo: Dick & Rita Atha Memorial Sportsmanship Fund). Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein, is assisting Dick's family. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a photo or memory of Dick.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Atha
Sponsored by Shoemaker Funeral Home.
Posalie Richardson
February 1, 2023
What a wonderful, meaningful life, filled with love and giving to everyone who had the good fortune to know you. Your friendship with Sam and me was a special one. Your friendship with him for over 70 years was filled with love, sharing and laughter. Now you are both in that special place, laughing, telling stories, sharing good times and hard times, You are examples to all of us who share their admiration and love. You will always be in our hearts,
Rosalie Richardson
February 1, 2022
Time passes, but the memories remain. Dick was a wonderful friend and both he and Sam are together in that wonderful place, sharing stories and laughter that are made during a friendship that spans over seventy years. I pray for them and for all who were fortunate enough to have these two buddies in their lives.
Rosalie Richardson
February 1, 2021
I will always remember Dick Atha as he was my husband Sam's dearest friend. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since Dick completed his earthly journey. It is my sadness to note that my husband passed away in August. I pray for both of them each day and hope they have found a way to the basketball court they loved so much. They will be in my heart forever.
Dan & Ann Hocking
February 11, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Atha family. Richard Atha was a great role model for everyone in Bison country. He was always a friend to anyone who knew him. We will miss his smile and his great Bison pride and Benton Central Bison Cheers for which he guided us through many years at Benton Central High School. Richard Atha's true spirit will live on forever. We will miss you but know god will take good care of you in heaven. RIP and God Bless.
Tami Carden
February 10, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Atha family. Growing up in Benton County and attending Benton Central I knew Mr. Atha as a very kind, friendly and helpful person. Always had a smile on his face. I love attending the girls basketball games and I know it won't be the same without him leading that famous B-I-S-O-N cheer. RIP Mr. Atha and I hope those Lady Bison can win it all this year for you!!!!
Valerie Taylor
February 10, 2020
There are so many words to describe Mr Atha that there is not enough room here to list them all, but for sure the best way is his love for BC Sports and any sports connected with Benton County. I remember just a few summers ago watching the Hoosier North team in the colt world series and there was Mr Atha cheering them on. He touched so many lives, he will long live on in the memories of all BC Alumni and I hope that his memory lives on forever in the halls of Benton Central. Gimme a B! I am sure your gold shoes are enjoying walking on the golden streets of heaven Mr Atha.
Cindy Nichols
February 9, 2020
Dearest Atha Family, My heart breaks for all of you. It's as if we have lost a member of our own family, so I can only image your grief. The Atha's and Nichols family's were parallel growing up. For each of us, there was an Atha right along side. We grew up in each other's households with your parents watching over us as much as our own. Words can not diminish the hurt, but I pray the memories of such an amazing father will always make you smile and the memories forever bring you peace. Love you all
Wallace Parham
February 9, 2020
Mr Atha was a great Man, helped our children, to Love Sports at Benton Central, have fun in Heaven Sir! God Bless, The Parham Family.La Porte Texas
Madison Huffer
February 9, 2020
Gone now but never forgotten Mr. Atha long live Mr.Atha Bc loves you so much and you will be dearly missed by all the staff and students at Bc and by me fly high in Haven Haven gates open for you
Madison Huffer
February 9, 2020
Long live On Dick Atha❤ We will miss you so much gone now but never forgotten fly high in haven Dick Atha you were such a big remodel for BC students and staff and the Benton comity!! Gone now but never forgotten love ❤ you mrs. Atha♥ I will always remember you has my grandma and grandpa close friend and I'll always remember you by give me B Give me, Give me a I , Give me a S, give me a O, Give me a N,!!!!!! Go Bison Go!!!!!
Rick Nichols
February 8, 2020
"Coach" Atha was the greatest role model, best motivator, and life-long trusted friend as he provided me with sacred and wise guidance when I was at several of life's crossroads God bless you Coach as you leave us to play, teach and coach on the heavenly ball fields and courts.
Mendy Coy
February 8, 2020
I am not a Bison, but I have been touched by the love and generosity of Mr Atha. I was a nurse of his, and during our time together, we easily talked about sports and my daughter's games. Shortly after I cared for Mr Atha, my daughter came home from a game that i had to miss because of my 12 hour shift, and told me some man came up to her and said that he had to come to my game to watch me play since you couldn't. Mr Atha knew I had to miss my daughters game at Jeff High School and attended the game in place of me. He showed up at several other games that season, all at Jeff High School. All he said was that no child should play a game alone and that he knew I had to work. I still have such pride and love for that man and the simple act of kindness that he showed me and my daughter. You will be missed Mr. Atha!!
greg scott
February 8, 2020
to the entire Atha family,
we watched the 8 kids grow up while Coach was also babysitting all of us on his various teams thru the years, including all the "and 2's" in basketball practice. wonderful memories and he will be greatly missed.
Greg Scott. OHS 1966.
Deb & Martin Musser
February 8, 2020
Dear Atha Family,
Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you at the loss of Mr. Atha. May your most cherished memories bring comfort in the difficult days and allow him to remain with you always.
Now that he will no longer roam the gym in Benton County - most of us will not forget how it was in the "Atha Nation". His presence shall be forever there and
missed but never forgotten!
A life well-lived - his legacy shall live on with all who knew and loved him.
We must believe he will be watching over all B.C. High activities as he did for more
than 50 years plus. RIP,
"Mr. Bison" and fly high
as you have earned your Angel Wings.
(Members of Class 1969)
February 8, 2020
Dear Atha Family,
Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you at the loss of Mr. Atha
Wanda Martin
February 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss and also the loss to the Benton Central family. He was sure missed at the Girls games, nothing the same without his Give me a "B" cheer! Prayers for all his family.
Wanda Martin
Christine
February 8, 2020
To the family of Richard Atha. I am so sorry for the loss of your father, it is so heartwrenching to lose a parent. As one if the Otterbein Athas, he always was a part of my young life as well as being present thru my high school years. Dad (Carl) and him would sit at the kitchen table and talk for hours. When Dad was a teenager he spent as much time as he could with Dave, Danny and your Dad in Otterbein. Your Dad was an everyday hero to so many in so many ways and he was truly a one in a million good soul. He helped mediocre performing kids strive for better and was a listening ear and guiding hand for troubled teens. When Dad became wheelchair bound, your Dad would visit him often and I was eternally grateful for that. The world lost an extraordinary man but you as family lost a father. Mourn him and celebrate him, he will be missed. Chris Atha Edwards
Helen DeWit Barton
February 8, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike & Leslie Williams
February 7, 2020
If you have read Mr. Atha's story you would have to wonder how is it possible for one person to pack more into a life. That was Mr. Atha, always doing, always willing to do more, and doing it with a real joy. I and my wife have been taught, worked with, and admired him for 60 plus years. I know the Oxford Community, Benton County, and those associated with the schools are going to miss his physical presence, but have to know he will always be there in spirit. This was a man who truly loved his community and especially the young people who moved through the education system. He touched the lives of thousands of young people that knew him. Although he was only 12 years older than me out of respect I could never call him by any title other than Mr. Atha. It is with a profound disappointment that we can't be there to celebrate his life along with the hundreds who will certainly be there. Thank you Mr. Atha, we love you.
Kevin Sims
February 7, 2020
Atha Family,
There are certain people in a young persons life whom become Mentors.
Coach Atha was one of those people for me. I have always felt blessed to have him as a mentor and friend.
God Bless each of you for allowing each of us to share in his life! And oh what a life!
Kevin
Jon Russell
February 7, 2020
So sorry for your loss Sarah. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sandyb Murphy Gagnon
February 7, 2020
My Dad Jim Murphy could tell you many stories about the Atha brothers. He loved telling about the National Homes basketball and softball teams. Dick was so respected. Prayers for the family.
February 7, 2020
Our hearts are filled with sadness at the news of Dick's death. He was a dear and wonderful friend with whom we shared many memories. Sam and Dick met at Indiana State University and became teammates on the basketball team in the early fifties. That friendship, forged in their youth, remained firm for over sixty five years.
We have Barbara, all of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in our prayers.
Sam and Rosalie Richardson
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Atha's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Atha
Feb
10
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Atha's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
