Longtime Chesterton resident William “Bill” Athens, 74, passed away unexpectedly on January 30, 2012 in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. He was born November 7, 1937 to William Athens and Elizabeth (nee Epps) Athens in East Chicago, Ind.

Surviving him are sons, Nicholas (Tina) Athens of Marietta, Georgia, David Athens of Denver, Colorado; daughters, Jeannine (Scott) Virtue and Wendy Athens, both of Porter; daughter-in-law, Wendy (nee Strohecker) Athens of Ft. Myers, Florida; grandchildren, Colin Athens, Haley Athens and Rachel Athens, Alexis Athens and William “Andrew” Athens lll, Ian Pisowicz, Jordan Pisowicz, Graham Pisowicz and Joel Pisowicz.

Also surviving are his sister, Betty (Larry) Wheaton of Lone Tree, Colo.; his long-time companion, Jo Ann Hilton of Chesterton and faithful canine companion, Katie.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Athens Jr. in 1999, and both parents.

Bill was a veteran of the US Navy and a member of the Porter VFW. He was also a member of Chesterton United Methodist Church. He was an ardent Chicago Cubs fan, as was his father before him.

Bill owned and operated Athens Amusements for many years. In retirement he enjoyed travel and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending his winters in Zihuatanejo. A memorial service was held on the beach in Zihuatanejo on February 4, with the many American, Mexican and Canadian friends he had there.

A Christian Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, Ind., with Rev. Terry Rhine officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 2/8/2012