Benjamin Atherton

ATHERTON

Benjamin P.



Benjamin P. Atherton, age 82, of Delta, passed away peacefully surrounded by

his family Monday morning, March 24, 2014. He was born in Holland, OH on February 9, 1932, one of five children

to the late Noel and Zena Atherton. After graduating from Delta High School, Ben served in the U.S. Army

during the Korean War. On December 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Marianne Merrill, who preceded him in death in 2010.

Ben retired from Dana

Corporation, after providing more than 30 years of service. Baseball was a passion for Ben. For over 35 years,

he enjoyed coaching youth baseball; and he enjoyed much success with his teams. Ben was also on staff as an assistant coach with the Delta High School baseball team for many seasons. During and after his coaching tenure, he enjoyed umpiring youth and high school games and following his beloved

Detroit Tigers. In addition to baseball, Ben was a real

nature lover. He enjoyed tree landscaping, gardening and caring for birds and other wildlife.

Ben is survived by his children, Mark (Kristina) Merrill of Manitou Beach, MI, Gregg (Renee) Merrill of Napoleon and Julie (John) Nowacki

of Toledo; grandchildren, Angela (Shad) Yon, Kristina (Nathan) Auclair, Jill (Nick) Saul and Lauren Nowacki and five great-grandchildren. Along with his wife and

parents, Ben was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Friends and family may visit on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 10-11 a.m. at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; where a memorial service celebrating Ben's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing an

expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to The Lois Merrill Foundation c/o Angela Merrill Yon at 1616 Jerrilyn Place, Encinitas, CA 92024 or the Delta Parks, 402 Main St., Delta, Ohio 43515 in Ben's memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at

barnesfuneralchapel.com