Jackie “Dee” Etherton, age 79, of Johnson City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with his devoted wife by his side.
Dee was born on March 17, 1946, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Earl and Jean (Clutts) Etherton. On June 12, 1965, he married the love of his life, Linda Louks, and together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Dee began his career in car sales in 1976 and continued building relationships and trust in the community until his retirement in 2010. Beyond his work, Dee’s greatest joy came from caring for his family. He was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His daughter Kym and grandchildren Michael and Amanda held a special place in his heart, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A true NASCAR enthusiast, Dee enjoyed watching races and playing NASCAR Fantasy with his family. His eyes lit up when talking about his great-grandchildren—Landon and Remi—and he eagerly looked forward to welcoming a new great-grandson in June and a great-granddaughter in October.
Dee is survived by his beloved wife Linda; daughter Kym (Darrin) Baxter; grandchildren Michael (Lynn) Baxter and Amanda Baxter; great-grandchildren Landon and Remi, as well as the expected arrivals of two more great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jean Etherton; his infant granddaughter, Leesa Dawn; and siblings Conrad Etherton, Patricia Dixon, and Peggy Etherton.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Oakland Cemetery, with Pastor Abe Ruffcorn officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Grove Methodist Church, 11631 Rte. 37, Marion, Illinois 62959.
Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale is entrusted with arrangements.
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