Dan Ater

Dan E. Ater, 66, of Clarksburg, died at his residence at 7:45am May 24, 2021, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.   He was born June 29, 1954, to Earl E. "Deak" and Rebecca "Becky" (Steinhauser) Ater.   Surviving are children: Kyle (Sarah) Ater, of Clarksburg, Nick (Stacey) Ater, of Columbus, Mackenzie (Hunter) Hubbard, of Washington C.H., and Daniel Ater, of Clarksburg; his mother Becky Ater, of Clarksburg; his grandson Wyatt Ater; his sisters Ruth Ann (Don) Sowers, Clarksburg, and Nancy (John) Heck, Granville; his special companion Linda Leatherwood, of Circleville; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Deak Ater.   Dan was a graduate of Adena High School, Class of 1972. He served his community as a Deerfield Twp. Trustee for 24 years. Dan worked as a harness race horse driver and trainer for over 4 decades. Throughout his career, he accumulated 1697 victories as a driver and 1686 victories as a trainer. He was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2016 and was awarded the USTA Presidential Award in 2018. Dan held driving titles at Miami Valley Raceway, Scioto Downs, Northfield Park and Balmoral Park; and training title at Miami Valley Raceway. He served as a director of the US Trotting Assoc. and the Ohio Harness Horseman's Assoc.   He was also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau.   Dan was quoted referring to his life "Racing is a book of dreams. The story of my life. I'm going to live it until I die."   Graveside services will be held at 11am Friday, May 28, in Ater Cemetery, Clarksburg. In keeping with his request, calling hours will be from 1pm-8pm Thursday at Dan's horse barn, 1702 Stingy Lane, Clarksburg, OH, 43115.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his memory to either Heartland Hospice, 205 North St #400, Lucasville, OH 45648 or Pancreatic Cancer Research.
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