Columbus, OH--Terry David Ater, age 70, of Clarksburg, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Thursday (Feb. 7) at his home.

Mr. Ater was born on May 22, 1942, to the late Glen Elwood and Nell (Martin) Ater. On July 29, 1966, he married his best gal and the love of his life, the former Mary Ellen Cook, who survives.

Also surviving to cherish his memory are their loving children: Bret (Lesley) Ater, Brad (Maegan) Ater, Amy (Jeremy) Bush and Brian Ater; precious grandchildren, Evan, Joedy, Sydney and Avery Ater and Hudson Bush; twin sisters, Carolyn (Mike) Hummel and Marilyn (Tom) Kern; nephews, Ryan Hardy, John and Dawson Cook; niece, Sarah Hardy; aunts, Ruth (George) Skinner, Becky Ater, Pat Martin, Betty (Bob) Roe and Marilyn (Moe) Oliver; and the Ater and Martin cousins and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ater was preceded in death by his in-laws, Earl and Rosemary Cook; grandparents, Glenn and Carol Ater and Otis and Anna Martin; uncles, Joe, Jack (Carol), Earl “Deak” Ater, Hoyt (Helen) Martin, Joe Martin and Jim Martin; and aunt, Helen (Bill) Marsh; as well as cousins, Larry and Sam Martin and Bill and Dan Marsh.

Mr. Ater, a 1960 graduate of Clarksburg High School, was a basketball and baseball star in high school and at Otterbein College, where he received his bachelor of science degree in 1964. He later earned his master’s degree from Ohio University. In 2010, he was inducted into the Clarksburg High School Hall of Fame.

Mr. Ater started his 45-year teaching career at Circleville Junior School, followed by J.A. Smith Middle School and Westfall High School. Because of his love for students, he continued to substitute teach at Adena High School.

Next to family and friends, Mr. Ater had a passion for race horses and continued the Ater Stables that his father and grandfather established in 1955. In heaven, the three of them and the Ater uncles are jogging Stake Knife, Amater and Bulletin, three of his favorite horses. He took pride in keeping Arts Melody Man, Magical Cruisater, and Mantaculater ready for the track. As an owner, trainer and driver, he was a longtime member of the United States Trotting Association.

Mr. Ater also enjoyed bowling, gardening, woodworking and pitching horseshoes.

Visitation will be held at the Clarksburg United Methodist Church, where Mr. Ater was a devoted member, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. A celebration of his life will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, with Pastor Jerry Caddell officiating. Burial will follow in Brown’s Chapel Cemetery, Clarksburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a scholarship donation in his memory to benefit a graduating senior at Adena High School. Memorial contributions can be mailed to Terry D. Ater Memorial Scholarship, c/o LCNB “Citizen’s National Bank” Clarksburg Branch, PO Box 188, Clarksburg OH 43115.

The Ebright Funeral Home of Frankfort is serving the family. Those wishing to sign his Online Book of Memories may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.