Bill Atherton

ULLIN, Ill. — Bill Atherton, 67, of Ullin died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at his home.

He was born Sept. 6, 1941, in Villa Ridge, Ill., to Phil and Ila Cooper Atherton. He and Judy Brown were married Feb. 16, 1964.

He was raised attending the Shiloh Baptist Church and later became a member of the First Baptist Church in Ullin, where he had served as a trustee.

Atherton was elected coroner of Pulaski County in 1984, a position he held for 14 years. He also served as a county commissioner for six years. During his tenure in politics he also served as Pulaski County Republican Party chairman and as precinct committeeman.

He was a well-known barber for 44 years in Mounds, Ill., and in Ullin.

He is survived by his wife of Ullin; two sons, Craig Atherton and Phil Atherton, both of Ullin; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Brad, in 1990.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today and from noon to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Ullin.

The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Butter Ridge Cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home in Ullin is in charge of arrangements.