Raymond W. Etzkorn

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, Illinois. They enjoyed thirty-seven years together until her passing in 2009.

Ray was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of St. Mary’s 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 showing 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, Arkansas; eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his 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’s 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’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in Allendale Cemetery, Allendale, Illinois.

Memorials to honor the life of Ray Etzkorn can be made to St. Mary’s 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.

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