Former Blair minister, The Rev. Richard E. Atherton, 82, of Lincoln, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Lincoln.

Memorial services were Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson. A memorial service will also be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Havelock United Methodist Church, 4140 N. 60th St., Lincoln.

Richard E. Atherton was born June 17, 1920, in Mineral, Ill., to Edgar and Ola (Ader) Atherton.

He held a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from Garrett Theological Seminary.

He was a retired minister in the United Methodist Church, and had served congregations in Hennepin and Newman, Ill., Jonesville, Mi., Lewellen, Pawnee City, Crete, Ord, Blair, Lincoln (Havelock), Culbertson, Superior, Garden Prairie and Indianola.

He was a member of Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Retired Ministers Association. He enjoyed gardening, water gardening, and working with stained glass.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen, of Lincoln; sons and daughters-in-law, Lee and Rosanne Atherton of Tulsa, Okla., and Paul and Gina Atherton of Central, S.C.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and David Lux of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; a brother, John Atherton of Dallas; sister, Edith Atherton of Lovington, N.M.; sister-in-law, Jean Atherton of California.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene.

Memorials are suggested to the Rev. Richard E. Atherton Ministerial Scholarship fund, c/o the family or church of the donor’s choice.

Roper and Sons Funeral Services in Lincoln was in charge of arrangements.