William J. "Bill" Etzkorn

William “Bill” Justin Etzkorn, 88, of Fort Smith passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017. He was born January 1, 1929 in Fort Smith to the late Adolph and Lucille Etzkorn. After graduating from St. Anne’s High School, he worked for Southern Cigar & Candy Company, as well assisted Dr. Labahn at Labahn Veterinary Clinic. Bill had plans to attend school and pursue a career as a veterinarian. Those plans were put on hold when he was drafted into the Army, during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Germany. When he returned home, he began working at J.A. Riggs Tractor Company as a Heavy Equipment Operator and met his wife, Margaret Ann Breedlove. Together, they had two daughters, Lisa Ann and Mary Elizabeth (Libby). Bill enjoyed fishing, skiing and camping with his family. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Tunica with his friends. Bill treasured all of his pets and doting over them.

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Ann and Mary Elizabeth, both of Fort Smith; two sisters, Betty Lou Pasola of Trenton, Michigan and Kay Gaylord of Fort Smith, as well as host nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 6:00pm, with rosary beginning at 6:00pm, Monday June 12, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be 10:30am Tuesday, June 13, 3017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow, with United States Army honors, at U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Arthur Rideout, Mike Stanton, Pat Stanton, DuVall Johnston and Jeff Elsken