Robert Gale Ethridge

Robert Gale Ethridge, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in 1932 to parents Betty and Emerson Ethridge who worked in aircraft manufacturing in Wichita, Kansas, during Robert’s childhood. After graduating high school, Robert joined the Air Force where he maintained aircraft. After his four years of service and a few stints working for the big aircraft manufacturers, his entrepreneurial spirit took over, and he founded several businesses. His most successful, longest-running, and final business was Airwich Avionics, which bought, refurbished, and sold used aircraft instruments to customers all over the world.

In 1967 he married Susan Lund with whom he had three children. He later met his current wife, Judi, with whom he had 26 happy years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Judi Ethridge; his three children, Brandon Ethridge, Derek Ethridge, and Jennifer Gillispie; his grandchildren, Sophia Gillispie, Max Gillispie, and Everett Ethridge; and his stepchildren, Marcie Handrich, Frank Ferré, Shelly Riley, Brynn Wagner, and Shawna Young.

Robert had a lifelong love of running. He competed in the River Run and Turkey Trot for 35 years. He carried this love of running until his final race, across the finish line. He will be remembered for his quick wit, charm, smile, and also his devotion to his family.

Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be held 10am, Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Resthaven Mortuary. Inurnment will take place at Winfield Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Serenity Hospice.