Dr. Grant Edwin Atwell, 98, of Meyersdale, died Jan. 16, 2013 at In Touch Hospice House, Somerset. He was born Aug. 8, 1914, in Emlenton, Scrubgrass Township in Venango County, the son of the late James Edwin and Bess (Lyttle) Atwell. Also preceded in death by his first wife, Louise (Snider) Atwell; brother, Rev. Robert Atwell; sisters: Florence Zieger and Martha Jane Jessup. Survived by his wife, Kay L. (Baker) Atwell; son, Dr. Grant Atwell II, Meyersdale; daughter, Mary Alice Naragon and husband Robert, Doylestown; grandchildren: Ryan A. Naragon and wife Kristin and Ann Louise Naragon; great-grandson, Percy Naragon. Also survived by step-daughters: Roberta K. Thompson and husband Kenneth, Jonestown; Patricia A. Marshall, Mechanicsburg; step-sons: R. Todd Marshall and wife Margaret, Joshua, Texas; Grant A. Marshall and wife Lori, Newville; step-grandchildren: Frank Alotta, Nicholas Alotta, Lauren Marshall, R.T. Marshall, Rachel Marshall, and Sarah Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated from Grove City High School at the age of 15, Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science degree, and Kirksville College of Osteopathic medicine with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Dr. Atwell interned at Baseline Rossman Hospital in Grove City from 1941-1942. He maintained an active practice in family medicine in Meyersdale from May, 1942 to 1986, during which time he delivered several thousand babies, with over two thousand home deliveries. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Meyersdale, where he was a member of church council for many years, and past lay president and teacher of the men's Sunday school class. Dr. Atwell was a member of Somerset County and the American Medical Associations for over 50 years, a member of the staff of the former Meyersdale Community Hospital, being an honorary member at the time of his death, also a member of the Meyersdale Area School Board, where he served as president from 1956-1966, during which time the present high school was built. He was also a member of the South Eastern Somerset County School Authority. Dr. Atwell was a member of several Masonic organizations, including: Meyersdale Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter; Harrisburg Consistory; Jaffa Shrine in Altoona; and formerly Knights of Templar, Uniontown. He was a charter member of the Meyersdale Lions Club, where he was honored as the Lions Citizen of the Year in 2004; and the Meyersdale Elks Club. In his earlier years, he was a member of the Meyersdale Fire Department and Meyersdale Borough Council. Dr. Atwell loved to travel, play golf, solve jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and read. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Price Funeral Home, Meyersdale, where Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friends will also be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Meyersdale Church of the Brethren with Pastor Pete Kaltenbaugh officiating. Private interment Meyersdale Area Union Cemetery. "From the contagion of the world's slow stain he is secure," was one of Dr. Atwell's favorite quotes. Memorials may be given in his name to the Louise S. Atwell Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 116 Market St., Johnstown, PA 15901 or In-Touch Hospice, P.O. Box 1173, Somerset, PA 15501.
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