Eldon D. Whetstine

Eldon was retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant in Supply after 23 years of service. He served in the Korean and Vietnam War. He also retired after 15 years from McDonnell Douglas as a Senior Parts Analyst. He enjoyed lapidary work and would often create new gems wherever he was stationed. He was an avid fisherman, camper, boater, and gardener. Eldon was especially known for his homegrown tomatoes and famous beef jerky. His favorite hobbies were listening to his extensive music library collection and watching movies.

Eldon is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mitsu, nee Matsumoto, Whetstine, and parents, Ivan and Irene, nee Whetstine, Whetstine and infant brothers and sister.

Surviving is his loving wife of 2 years, Connie, nee Whetstine (Davison), Whetstine; loving children, Fred (Lisa) Whetstine, Byrnesmill, MO, Byron (Gie) Whetstine, Sugarland, TX, Gerald Whetstine of Belleville, IL; step children, November (Cindi McGee) Davison, Murphysboro, IL, Anthoney Davison, Murphysboro, IL; grandchildren, Murphy Roberts, Clayton, MO, Elasha (Celestine) Butler, Sugarland, TX, Caitlin Whetstine, Sugarland, TX, Blake Whetstine, Belleville, IL, Haley Whetstine, Columbia, IL; great grandchild, Adrian Butler; mother in law, Pearl Rutledge, Clinton, IA, sister in law, Yoshiko Ito, Tokyo, Japan, Pamela White, Clinton IA, and; brother in law, Toshio Matsumoto; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and the Class of 1952, although small, but was treated like brothers and sisters.

Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Benefit or USO. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation will be held at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois on Saturday, September 1, 2012 10:00-1:00pm; 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223

Funeral: will be held at 1:00pm at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten, Belleville, IL Saturday, September 1, 2012 with Bishop Stan Hatch officiating.

Interment will be held privately at a later date.

Valhalla-Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois