Louis James Atherton, 78, Shawnee, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the Kansas City Hospice House. 

Family has planned to greet friends 10 a.m Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012 with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at Maple Hill Funeral Home, 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan. Private family inurnment is planned for a later date. 

Louis was born April 20, 1934, in Kansas City, Kan., to Harry and Lola Atherton, who preceded him in death.

From 1990 to 2002, Louis was president/CEO of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and secretary/treasurer of Ottawa/Franklin County Economic Development, Inc., a private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating economic growth in Franklin County.

During his career with the Ottawa Chamber, the area gained more than $130 million in investments by existing and new business entities. In addition, these investments were responsible for the creation of about 3,000 jobs.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ruby Atherton; one sister; four children; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice.

Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.maplehillfuneralhome.com and www.ottawaherald.com