S. Earl Atterbury, 87 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 2:53 pm Friday, August 12, 2011 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. Earl was born October 6, 1923 at Marceline, Missouri, a son of Seaman Earl and Lura Bessie (Whisenand) Atterbury. He married Betty Ruth White on June 20, 1948 at Fort Madison, Iowa. She preceded him in death on April 28, 1996. Earl moved to Fort Madison in 1937. He worked for Silas Mason and the Atomic Energy Commission at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, in Quality Control, for 10 ½ years. Later he worked for Chanen Auto Parts, as a counterman and manager, for 12 years. Earl was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during WWII. He was stationed in the European Theater where he was a Private 1st Class in Company D, 5th Tank Battalion of the 16th Armored Division. He was a 50 year member of Claypoole Masonic Lodge #13, A.F. & A.M. He was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by two sons: Mark Allen (wife Judy) Atterbury, of Kansas City, Kansas and Richard D. (wife Michele) Atterbury, of Des Moines, Iowa; 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 3 step grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren, and 6 step great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one son, David Earl Atterbury.

Friends may call after 4:00 pm Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 5:00 - 6:00 pm Sunday evening. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:00 pm Sunday evening at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am Monday, August 15, 2011 at the Barr Memorial, with Reverend John Simpson, officiating. Following the services his body will be cremated. Private family burial will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for Claypoole Masonic Lodge #13, A.F. and A.M., contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.