Atwater Family

Robert (Bob) Leverne Atwater, 84, passed away on December 10, 2024, in Plattsburg, MO. Charlotte Ann Atwater (Erritt), 83, passed away on September 13, 2024, in Kansas City, MO. Brent Douglas Atwater, 49, son of Robert and Charlotte, passed away on April 21, 2018.

Burials will take place in Gowrie, Iowa at the Gowrie Township Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation follows at the United Methodist Church in Gowrie, Iowa . They are survived by Bob's sister, Judy Trostle (Ronald) of Littleton, Colorado, along with Charlotte's sisters: Nancy Nielsen (Clifton) of New Hampton, Iowa, and Susan Hoover (Stanley) of Plattsburg, Missouri, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Robert was born on May 3, 1940, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert and Eloise (Geiman) Atwater. He graduated from Zook High School in 1958, where he was actively involved in sports, drama, and music, as well as participating in 4-H.

In 1962, Bob earned a degree in History and Political Science from McPherson College, preparing him for a teaching career. It was at McPherson that he met his future wife, Charlotte Erritt. After graduation, he served in the National Guard at Fort Ord, California.

Bob was an excellent teacher and coach who connected well with his students and their families, often keeping in touch with them over the years. He completed his teaching career at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth. An avid history enthusiast, he loved discussing history and politics and conducted extensive research on family history.

Bob's favorite pastime was golfing; he enjoyed playing regularly with friends. He also engaged in woodworking projects, enjoyed reading and playing games, and particularly cherished spending time with his family. He loved traveling and relaxing at a mountain cabin in Colorado, which was a special retreat for his family.

Charlotte was born on August 17, 1941, in Lake City, IA. She was the first of three girls born to Norris (Spiv) and Delsie (Harding) Erritt. She grew up on the Erritt fFamily fFarm one mile west of Slifer, IA.

Charlotte, "Charl", graduated valedictorian from Cedar Valley High School in 1959. She was active in vocal music, band, speech, Future Home Makers of America and Science Club. She was a class officer, cheerleader, yearbook staff member and played piano for her church.

Charlotte completed her postgraduate education at McPherson College in Kansas. There, Charlotte was a cheerleader, an active Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Kappa Delta member, and played the saxophone in band and pep band. Charlotte graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor Degree of Science in History and a minor in English.

Charlotte dedicated 35 years to the teaching profession instructing students in History, English and Writing. Over the years, she also worked as a librarian and a lab technician in a beet factory. She served as a 4-H leader, a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), belonged to a cross-stitching group and helped raise funds for the Hospital in Leavenworth.

Charlotte was an avid reader and a talented musician and artist. She enjoyed tole painting, cross stitching, quilting and many other crafts. Charlotte's greatest joys were spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing at a family cabin in CO, and sharing her time and talents with others.

Robert and Charlotte were married in 1964 at the Church of the Brethren in Slifer, IA, andcelebratinged 60 years together. They began working together as teachers in Hutchinson, KS. In 1968, Robert and Charlotte were blessed with the adoption of their son, Brent. In 1979, the Atwaters moved to Goodland, KS, where they taught and raised their son for 18 years. They also lived in Horton and Lansing, KS, before settling in Leavenworth, KS.

Brent grew up in Goodland, KS; he graduated from Goodland High School in 1987. While in high school, he participated in vocal and instrumental music, Scholar's Bowl and was a three sport-letterman (football, basketball, and golf). After graduating from High School, Brent attended McPherson College in KS where he graduated with a B.A. in History. Brent was a four-year letterman in Golf, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Vice President of the Student Council, and a member of the A Capella Choir.

Brent was a caring individual. He firmly believed that we are responsible for the well-being of our fellowman; therefore, he supported many charitable organizations. Brent participated in state and local politics. Brent was a member of the Mason's International Olathe Lodge #19 and Overland Park Lodge #436. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Mason's and participating in the charitable projects of this group

Bob, Charlotte and Brent are deeply missed by their family and friends.