James Curtis McAtee

James C. "Curt" McAtee, 88, of Viola, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at New Windsor Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Joyce Basler officiating. Burial is in Viola Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by New Windsor American Legion George Norris Post 484. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. today at Dennison Funeral Home in Viola. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Windsor Presbyerian Church, the Viola United Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice. He was born Jan. 31, 1919, in Viola, the son of Paul Boyd and Ruth Evans McAtee. He married Mary Alice Blaine April 29, 1942, in Victoria, Texas. She preceded him in death in October of 1983. He graduated from Viola High School and attended Monmouth College and the University of Iowa. Curt farmed for many years northeast of Viola and was a school teacher in the Eliza, Winola and Sherrard school districts. All his students were very dear to him. During World War II he was a squadron commander with the 8th Air Force and he flew out of England and Africa as a B-24 bomber pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, the Silver Star, the Air Medal, the French Croix De Guerre avec Etoile de Vermeil medal and the French "Chevailier" Legion of Honor medal. He was a member of the New Windsor Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and trustee. He also served on the Winola school board, Mercer County soil board and was a past bank director. He was a member of the New Windsor American Legion, the Mercer County Retired Teacher's Association and the New Windsor Fair and Rodeo board. Survivors (and spouses) include his best friend, Jane Crummy and her family; one daughter, Sybil (Rollin) Roselle; one son, Judd (Carol) McAtee; grandchildren, Jim (Amanda) McAtee, Jon (Amy) McAtee, Angie (John) DeBlock, Josh (Stephanie) McAtee, Chris (Eric) Detweiler, Sandy (Neal) Sanburg, Andy (Melissa) Roselle and Lori Roselle; 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Artman. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Hugh; his wife, Mary Alice; and his son, James Curtis.