Robert Arthur Athan

1953 - 2024

Col. Robert Arthur Athan (ret.), 70, passed away in his home in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 26, 2024.

Robert was born in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 1953. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1972 and then in 1976 he enlisted in the Nebraska Air National Guard as an Avionics Sensor Specialist. In 1979, through the ANG Academy of Military Science, Robert completed Undergraduate Navigator Training and RF-4C Initial Qualification Training and served as a Weapons Systems Officer. In 1987, he graduated from ANG Fighter Weapons School. He participated in several combat and contingency operations throughout his career. Robert retired on April 23, 2010, as Vice Wing Commander, 155th Air Refueling Wing at the Joint Airport in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Robert was also a student and talented practitioner of the arts. In high school he could be seen playing guitar with his bandmates at The Grove in Lincoln. Robert also received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May of 1985- most noted for his precision in ceramics and drafting, but also for expressive photography composition and modernist paintings.

Alongside his vocation and avocations, Robert's patriotism extended to volunteerism, helping raise funds for the community through The Rotary Club and Salvation Army.

Robert is survived by his wife of 33 years and their three daughters (names and pictures removed for privacy). He is also survived by his only brother, John P. Athan, in Los Angeles and four more endeared daughters: Heather Athan-Pechous and Heidi MacDonell (their mother is Carol Neely Strasil) as well as Hannah Strong and Hayley Cain (their mother is Jacquelyn Harness Bailey). Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren: Vance Pechous, Evan Pechous, Emily MacDonell, Peter MacDonell, Lawson Strong, Eleanor Strong, Rosalyn Strong, Marshall Strong, Harper Cain, and Grant Cain.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, John Arthur Athan, and his mother, Lydia Louisa Athan.

Robert was a man of great faith beginning with his baptism at St. Augustine Catholic Church on February 14, 1954, in Culver City, California. During midlife, he converted to the Lutheran Church and was delighted with the education two of his eldest daughters received at Lincoln Lutheran Junior High School. He was equally encouraged by the Lutheran faith in the hearts of all his daughters. A military funeral was held privately for Robert's wife and their three daughters at Sheridan Lutheran Church on Old Cheney Road in Lincoln, Nebraska at 1:00PM on March 6, 2024. He was interred in the columbarium on the church grounds. Please join the Col. Robert A. Athan - Memorial Page on Facebook to pay respects; a reception for all family and friends will be held in Robert's memory in San Juan Capistrano, California on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Memorial donations may be sent to Lincoln Lutheran School. The family of Col. Robert A. Athan wishes to thank the Nebraska Air National Guard, Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs, the staff at Sheridan Lutheran Church, and all their friends and family for their shared memories, kindness, love, and support.