Source: Edson L. Etherton Obituary

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WASHINGTON - Edson L. Etherton, M.D., age 87, of Bayles Lake in Loda, Ill., father of a Washington woman, died at 8:39 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at the Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Gibson City, with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Township Cemetery in Gibson City, with military rites by the Lee Lowery American Legion Post 568. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

Dr. Etherton was born Aug. 24, 1921, in LeRoy, the youngest son of six to Homer David and Lillian A. Dooley Etherton. He married Janet Halverson in 1945. He later married Jeanne E. Plumbe in 1953. She died in 1980. He then married Ruth H. Vernon on March 7, 1981. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, William J. (Regina) Etherton of Lake Forest, Robert Thomas Etherton of Lincoln, Susan D. (James) Dunnan of Washington and Edward E. (Karen) Etherton of Dunlap; son-in-law, Harry of Lindenhurst; three stepchildren, Kathryn S. Boler of Alex, Okla., Michael W. Vernon of Palm Springs, Calif., and Patricia A. (Tony) Horn of Fellsmere, Fla.; 14 grandchildren, Victoria, Elizabeth, Eric, Heidi, Chris, J.W., Jessica, Philip, Kristin, Kassidy, Suzanne, Sharon, Matthew and Stephen; and 10 great-grandchildren, Victoria, Julia, Emma, Zophia, Elizabeth, Allison, Adalaide, Delainey, Jack and Issac.

He was preceded in death by three brothers; two sisters; and a daughter, Denise (Lynne, deceased). Dr. Etherton completed pre-med at Illinois Wesleyan and medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

He served in the Naval Air Corps as a flight surgeon and was discharged in June of 1948.

He was chief of resident surgery at West Suburban Hospital from 1950 to 1953, while practicing at Oak Park from 1949 to 1953. He opened an office in Gibson City in 1953, as a general medical practice and surgeon, retiring in March of 1987.

He was a member of Gibson City Lions Club, VFW, AMVETS, American Legion and Rotary in Florida, Shriners Co-chair of Hospital Committee, Member of Jesters Court 40 in Illinois, and 188 in Florida, Gibson Masonic Lodge 733 AF & AM, and University of Illinois Grants and Aids.

He served as doctor for East/West Shrine Football, sideline physician for Gibson City Greyhounds Football, assistant physician for Oak Park School football team, Member of AMA, company doctor for M and W Gear Company, part-time company doctor for Central Soya and Norfolk railroads.

His red Cadillac convertible was always used for local homecoming parades. He enjoyed being a private pilot and real estate developer. He always took special time with each patient; caring for them was the love of his life. Even after he retired, he enjoyed helping others, especially in the medical field. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and University of Illinois football.

Memorials may be made to Loda United Methodist Church, Shriners Crippled Children, Camp Living Waters, Gibson Area Hospital or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Published in Peoria Journal Star on September 6, 2008

Type: Public Announcement

Date: 2008-09-06

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Pages that use this source:

Lillian Allene Dooley

Edson Lester Etherton

Homer David Etherton

Janet Halverson

Jeanne E. Plumbe

Ruth Helen Vernon


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