NORMAN 'SONNY' ATHA

Norman "Sonny" Atha, age 79, retired supervisor for 23 years at Winfield State Hospital, died Feb. 17, 2008 at his home in Mulvane. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Senter-Smith Mortuary, Mulvane; graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mulvane Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force.

Atha was born June 25, 1928 in Fort Scott. He attended Fort Scott schools, and also worked at Key Industries on the pressing machine. He also worked at Boeing in Wichita for several years. He worked at Winfield State Hospital for 23 years until his retirement.

He married Grace Flesher Aug. 20, 1955. He was of the Baptist faith.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Delphia (Proctor) Atha; son, Glenn Flesher; grandson, Gary Jaquis. Survivors include; wife, Grace Atha, Mulvane; children, Carol Buchanan, Anderson, Mo., Sherry Lund, Wichita, Randy Atha, Mulvane; grandchildren, Justin Roney, Marshal Roney, Dennis Buchanan, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ronnie Nichole and Kyle Jaquis; great-great-granddaughter, Harper Jaquis; sisters, Betty Morrow, Fort Scott, Dolly McCulley, Chanute.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the American Lung Association, 6401 E. Beachy, Wichita, Kan., 67206. Send condolences via smithfamilymortuaries.com.