Feb. 19, 1945 – Nov. 11, 2025
James Richard “Dick” Ater, 80, of Sallisaw, died on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Roland. He was born on Feb. 19, 1945, in Decatur, Ill., to Emma Mae (Clements) Ater and Leland James Ater.
Services will be held at a later date in Illinois, with cremation arrangements directed by Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
He married Marilyn (Kaltenbach) Ater on April 4, 1965, in Decatur.
He dedicated over 31 years to the Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring on April 1, 1995. He then embraced his love for horses, becoming a full-time trainer and owner of American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. He attended Blue Ribbon Fellowship.
Survivors are his wife, Marilyn, of the home; daughter, Jackie Nash and Brad of Gans; one grandson; one great-grandson; his sister, Shirley Trolia and Marty of Leesburg, Fla.; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Mike Ater.
