Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Ronald L. Ater, age 65, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., and more recently of Olathe, Kan., passed away Monday, September 4, 2017, as the result of a motorcycle accident in Olathe.  

He was born December 5, 1951, in Fort Scott, the son of Ivan Ater and Lois Cooper Ater.  He had served with the United States Army where he had been stationed in Germany.  Following his military service, he began a career with Westar Energy, where he worked as a serviceman for many years prior to retirement from the company.  Ron loved being outdoors and riding his motorcycle.  He took numerous motorcycle trips throughout the country.  He also enjoyed animals, especially parrots.

Survivors include a son, Charles Ater, of Olathe and a daughter, Miste Maschino and husband, Matthew, of Springfield, Mo.; three grandchildren, Madyson Brushwood and husband, Levi, Arabella Maschino and Brant Maschino, all of Springfield.  Also surviving is a brother, Tim Ater, and wife, Pam, of Nevada, Mo.; his step-father, Wayne Houston, of Richards, Mo., several nieces and nephews and his special pet parrot, Mojo.  He was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Ater, and his mother, Lois Houston.

Following cremation, Robert Clark will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 p.m.Wednesday, September 13, at the U. S. National Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 p.m.at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.