Eddie Lee Retherford

Eddie Lee Retherford, 84, of Newburgh, IN, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His devoted wife Pat and son Mark were at his side. Ed was born in Cleves, OH on October 29, 1936 to John Retherford and Gertrude (Royce) Retherford. Ed graduated from Harrison High School (Ohio) in 1955 and enlisted in the Army immediately after graduation. He served as an instructor in the Nike Guided Missile training school at Ft. Bliss, TX. In 1959, he met his future wife of 60 years, Patricia Dials, boating on the Ohio River. Waterways and lakes made for many happy family memories. The blessing of grandchildren provided more opportunities to share his love of the water through fishing, skiing, tubing and cruises. In recent years a drive along the river gave him enjoyment and comfort. After the military, Ed worked for Cincinnati Testing Labs, Fernald, Honeywell, GE Medical Systems, and retired from Alcoa Aluminum as an Electrician Specialist. His technical background and interest in electronics led him to pursue Amateur Radio as a lifelong hobby. From a young age, he loved to fish and the water was never far from his mind. He enjoyed serving in the Boy Scouts and held leadership positions at the district and local level. He served as Scoutmaster for his two sons in KY and IN, and was recognized for his leadership in the district. Ed was a member of the Newburgh United Methodist Church, Evansville Bassmasters, the Amateur Radio Relay League, and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). In his 70’s he pursued his lifelong interest in flying and received his private pilot license. While he flew only a few years, he was able to take his father-in-law Oscar, at age 96, and son Paul for a ride. He never missed hearing aircraft and often identified them by the sound of the engines even during his last days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle, Jim Retherford; youngest brother, Dennis Retherford; cousin, Roy (Skip) Royse, and uncles and aunts, Gene and Charlotte Royse and Myrtle and Irvin (Pat) Dunn. Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann (Dials) Retherford; sons, Mark Retherford (Ann) and Paul Retherford (Laura); grandchildren, Boden Retherford and Kathryn Retherford; brother, Glenn (Dick) Retherford (Shirley); beloved aunt, Bessie Retherford; sister-in-law, Barb Retherford; nieces, Shawna Brandes (Mike), Fawna Martin (Tom) and Holly Ramey; nephew, Chris Retherford (Rachel), and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews. The family would like to sincerely thank the numerous caregivers while at home, Bethel Manor and the Deaconess staff for their compassionate care. A visitation will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel from 9:00 to11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow officiated by Pastor Craig Duke. We encourage guests to be vaccinated. Masks will be required. A live stream of the service is available at www.facebook.com/funeralstreamusa. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to: Parkinson’s Awareness Support Association of The Tri-State: “Restricted Parkinson’s Fund– PASATS”, P.O. Box 3745, Evansville, IN 47736 ([email protected]) or Newburgh United Methodist Church.