1924
Dr.
2017
Dr. Merrill Athon, MD
June 15, 1924 — July 26, 2017
Dr. Merrill Dean Athon, 93, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2017 after a long and accomplished life that positively impacted all who knew him. Merrill was born and raised in Topeka Kansas June 15, 1924 to Howard and Roberta Athon. After graduating from High school Merrill entered the Navy, serving during WWII, as Pharmacist Mate. After leaving the service, he completed his education at Kansas State Teachers College in 1950. On August 19, 1951 Merrill and Lois McFerrin were married. Merrill completed his medical education at the University of Kansas Medical School in 1954. Merrill went on to practice medicine in Kansas City, serving at KU med, Bethany Hospital, and at Shawnee Mission Hospital. Dr. Athon formed a medical clinic in Overland Park where he practiced medicine for the next 50 years, attending to the sick and injured, until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of the Board Of Directors and also a Founding Physician at SM Medical Center. He also established a cardiology unit at Bethany Medical Center. Merrill cared about the physical as well as the spiritual needs of the people he knew. He was a charter member of Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village, KS. There he played an important role in Gods plan for Christs outreach.
Merrill's' life consisted of service to God, his family and countless medical patients he treated. He served the church assisting ministry in AWANA, and vacation bible school. He frequently provided transportation to and from Hillcrest to those who could not otherwise attend. He worked with the Boy Scouts there and served as Scout Master, conducting camping trips and other activities. He was committed to giving his time and energy to mission work at home with the City Union Mission and away in the Dominican Republic. Merrill was a peaceful and loving doctor, father, husband, and a friend to all that knew him.
Merrill lives on in the hearts of his family: his sister Hazel Zink, his sons John Athon, Mark Athon, Paul Athon, Phillip Athon, and grandchildren Adriana Athon, Ashten Athon, Justin Athon, Nicholas Athon, Tyler Athon, Heather Athon, Sophia Athon and many cherished Nieces and Nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lois Athon, his daughter Marilyn Athon, his parents, Howard and Roberta Athon and his brothers, Robert Athon and Donald Athon.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial in Celebration of Life which will began with visitation on Monday July 31, 2017, at 12:00 PM with the service to follow at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 8801 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66207. Military Honors will be conducted immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210. Flowers and contributions may be made to Hillcrest Covenant Church to continue the Lords work.
Merrill's' life consisted of service to God, his family and countless medical patients he treated. He served the church assisting ministry in AWANA, and vacation bible school. He frequently provided transportation to and from Hillcrest to those who could not otherwise attend. He worked with the Boy Scouts there and served as Scout Master, conducting camping trips and other activities. He was committed to giving his time and energy to mission work at home with the City Union Mission and away in the Dominican Republic. Merrill was a peaceful and loving doctor, father, husband, and a friend to all that knew him.
Merrill lives on in the hearts of his family: his sister Hazel Zink, his sons John Athon, Mark Athon, Paul Athon, Phillip Athon, and grandchildren Adriana Athon, Ashten Athon, Justin Athon, Nicholas Athon, Tyler Athon, Heather Athon, Sophia Athon and many cherished Nieces and Nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lois Athon, his daughter Marilyn Athon, his parents, Howard and Roberta Athon and his brothers, Robert Athon and Donald Athon.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial in Celebration of Life which will began with visitation on Monday July 31, 2017, at 12:00 PM with the service to follow at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 8801 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66207. Military Honors will be conducted immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210. Flowers and contributions may be made to Hillcrest Covenant Church to continue the Lords work.
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