Raymond W. Etzkorn, 84, of Browns Illinois passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Meadowood Nursing & Rehab in Grayville, Illinois.
He was born April 15, 1935 in Morrison Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Anton and Anna M. (Kern) Etzkorn. He married Patty Swanson September 2, 1972 in Danville IL. They enjoyed thirty-seven years together until her passing in 2009.
Ray was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Ray was a mechanic by trade; he and his twin brother, Damian “Shorty”, owned and operated Etzkorn Brothers Garage in Allendale for six years. Ray retired from Wabash Valley Service Company in Allendale as Head of Operations in 1998.
He took great pride in his work and his family.
In his youth Ray enjoyed racing rail cars and shawing horses. When not working, Ray enjoyed woodworking, watching old westerns and Cardinal baseball. He loved spending time with his family, especially grandchildren. For many years he coached baseball to the youth of Allendale. He was a volunteer with the Allendale Rural Fire Protection District, serving as Fire Chief in the late 60s.
He was a family man at heart. Raymond is survived by his children, Misty (Steve) Pearson of Browns; Steve (Nora) Etzkorn of Albion, stepson Richard L. (Yvonne) Etzkorn of West Salem; brother, Arthur (Karen) Etzkorn of Fort Smith AR; eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were wife, Patty; his parents; daughter, Georgia Martin; six brothers, Anthony, Damian, Clarence, Charles, Paul, Herman; and two sisters, Margaret and Theresa.
Visitation for Ray will be Tuesday, April 30, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass for Ray will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church with burial to follow in Allendale Cemetery, Allendale IL.
Memorials to honor the life of Ray Etzkorn can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Ray’s family.