Robert B. Atherton, 64, of Mendota died of cancer June 24, 2009, at home. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church, Mendota, with the Rev. Michael Morrell officiating. Cremation rites took place. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday in First United Methodist Church, Mendota. Arrangements were by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. He was born March 4, 1945, in Pana to Everett and Florence (Kuhn) Atherton. He married Jeri Johns Dickey on June 29, 1992, at Starved Rock. Serving Mendota High School for 34 years, Mr. Atherton began teaching English in 1967, later adding advanced composition and department chairman to his responsibilities. He was assistant principal 1975-1996 and principal July 1996- June 2001, when he and his wife retired from MHS. He also was assistant and head coach for freshman and sophomore football 1967-1984 and tennis coach from 1969-1983. During the past year he served as interim principal for Hinckley-Big Rock High School. He was a member of Mendota Golf Club, Elks Lodge 1212 and First United Methodist Church. He was a 13-year-member and past president of Mendota YMCA Board. He is survived by his wife; four daughters,Wendy (Roman) Corralejo of DeKalb, Amy (Ben Lenard) Atherton of DeKalb, Erin (Jeff) Strouss of Mendota and Melinda Dickey of Yorkville; foster son, Hilary Huffman of Reno, Nev.; and four grandchildren, James Atherton Corralejo, Joeseph Atherton Corralejo, Ryne Strouss and Cale Strouss. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Mendota or Mendota YMCA.