Terry D. Eatherton, 64, of Gibbon died Saturday, December 1, 2012 at his home in Gibbon surrounded by his loving family after a four year fight with pancreatic cancer.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the Gibbon Baptist Church. Rev. Matt Wolf will officiate. Burial with military rites, provided by the Gibbon American Legion and the United States Air Force Military Honors team, will be at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Gathering of friends with family will be Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Gibbon Baptist Church. A message of condolence can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Terry was born January 13, 1948 in Kearney to Dale and Nadine (Brandt) Eatherton. He was educated at Cozad, Cairo and Wood River Public Schools and graduated from Kearney High School in 1966. He is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 – 1970.

On July 8, 1978, he married the love of his life, Gilberta Olson in Gibbon, Nebraska. They made their home in Gibbon and he worked for Eatons, had his own welding shop, HiTech, Inc.

Terry and the entire family spent many weekends during the summer racing at local tracks and at the lake. Even after his diagnosis Terry still had his competitive edge and raced two seasons and won many races.

His hobbies include playing poker, tinkering in the shop, and watching sports, especially college football and NASCAR. Most recently he enjoyed occupying his time restoring antique toys. But his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.


He was a member of the Gibbon Baptist Church, Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity, Gibbon American Legion, Kearney Elks Lodge #984, I.M.C.A. and a past member of the Gibbon and Shelton Boosters.

Surviving relatives include his loving wife Gilberta of Gibbon, NE, Daughters; Shelley and husband Mike Pedersen of Moriarty, NM, Kristin and husband Ted Melton of Commerce City, CO, Stephanie and husband Josh Leonard of Gibbon, NE, SPC. Stormi Eatherton of Fort Carson, CO, Sons; Terry Jr. of Santa Rosa, NM and Jeremy and wife Georgia Eatherton of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his father and step mother Dale and MaryAnn Eatherton of Gibbon, NE and sisters; Ronda and husband Larry Dix of Lincoln, NE, Ranae and husband Bob Howard of Kearney, NE, Tami and husband Mick Anderson of Kearney, sister-in-law; Sheri Eatherton of Kearney, grandchildren; JaeLynn, PFS Patrick, Jeremy and Joesaph Pedersen, Madison and Taylor Eatherton, Treyten and Parker Melton and Braxten Leonard.

He is preceded in death by his mother Nadine in 1975, brother and best friend; Steve Eatherton in 2009, and grandparents; Louis and Emma Brandt and Orren and Anna Eatherton.