Arlan Ray Atwater, 77, of Camargo, IL, passed away at 5:34 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.


Mr. Atwater was born May 9, 1937 in Table Grove, IL, the son of Harley and Margaret Ashton Atwater. He married Iva Jean Orwig on July 27, 1957 in Ipava, IL. She survives.

Other survivors include a son: Mark Atwater of Camargo, and a daughter, Kenlyn Deckard (John) of Macomb; two brothers, Robert Atwater (Karen) of Lewistown, and Jerry Atwater of Ipava; one sister, Marilee Casper of Canton; four grandsons, Christopher and Mitchell Atwater, and Caleb Mackey and Benjamin Deckard; two granddaughters, Robin and Kerry Mackey; and one great-granddaughter, Rylee Mackey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Julie Atwater; two brothers, Terry (Sally) and Billy Atwater; and one sister, Martha (Pat) Bloyd.

Arlan worked at the Murdock Coal Mine for many years and was a member of the UMWA, and prior to that a restaurant manager who is still fondly remembered by former employees. He had been a member of the Berean Christian Church in Ipava and had been active in the YMCA Senior Center in Macomb and was honored for his volunteer service there. Arlan was a very kind and loving person who didn't know a stranger. He loved his two pets: Lottie and Jules. He like to fish and feed his birds.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb, Illinois, with Pastor Donnie Case officiating.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greeneville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences to the family may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com