Roy L. Atherton

Roy L. Atherton, Sr. (February 22, 1921 – November 24, 1999) was a bombardier and pilot in the United States Army Air Forces in the European Theater during World War II, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart.

Biography

Atherton is a direct descendant of Sir. Richard Atherton, knight (b. 1485) of North Meols, Lancashire, England. Richard's great-great grandson, James Atherton (1624-1710), made the journey from England to Massachusetts aboard the ship James in 1634, along with his uncle, Major-General Humphrey Atherton.

Born Roy Linn Atherton, in Pearl, Illinois, to William Er. and Eva (Ward) Atherton, he grew up on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps.

USAAF career

To be added...

Distinguished Flying Cross Mission

Distinguished Service Cross

Career and later life

After returning from the service, Atherton married Helen Kibler, daughter of Wesley Kibler and Flora L. (Shadel) Kibler, of Pittsfield, Illinois.

Atherton pursued a career in teaching and sales. He held various positions unitil starting Northwest Territory Farm & Ranch Equipment, Inc., in Gresham, Oregon, in 1982. Atherton Operated the business with his son until its closure in 1995.

Atherton had a passion for education, farming, and raising cattle for beef. He conducted research, positing that Wagyu and Dexter cattle cattle are genetically idenitical. In 1997, he founded the American Early Black Cattle Association.

Atherton died at his home in Gresham, Oregon at age 78.

Awards and decorations

References

History of Jackson County, Iowa, James W. Ellis, 1910. http://iagenweb.org/boards/jackson/biographies/index.cgi?read=278093