John A. Rathburn

Born: 2/23/1920
Died: 4/23/2012

Mr. John A. Rathburn, age 92, of Forwood Manor in Wilmington, DE, formerly of Chatham in Wilmington, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2012.
Born in Houston, TX, on February 23, 1920, Mr. Rathburn was the son of the late Howard Akin Rathburn and Susie Altmeier. He earned his diploma from DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, KY, and later graduated from the University of Louisville. He proudly served his country in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant prior to his honorable discharge. He would go on to make his 40-year professional career with the DuPont Company, where he retired as a project supervisor at the Chambers Works site in 1982.
A longtime, active member of Silverside Church, Mr. Rathburn often served as the photographer for church events and celebrations. He was also a member of the National Railway Historical Society and had been the treasurer of the Wilmington chapter for several years.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mathilda Ramsier Rathburn, and his daughter, Susan E. Rathburn. He is survived by his son, Robert H. Rathburn of Reston, VA; and three grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Rathburn may be made to the Forwood Manor Employee Appreciation Fund, 1912 Marsh Road, Wilmington, DE 19810; or to the Delaware Association for the Blind, 2915 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808.