Jimmy Lee Etter

Jimmy Lee Etter, 75, died Thursday (Nov. 3, 2016) at Wesley Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 19, 1941, in Newton to Arley and Anna (Franzen) Etter. On Oct. 8, 1971, he married Karen Schmidt and she survives of the home. He was previously married to Sharon (Winter) Spangler and they were divorced. She preceded him in death. Jimmy was retired as a machinist with the Santa Fe Railroad and also owned and operated Etter Lawn Service with his son Kevin, who took over the business in 2015. He had a love of race cars and enjoyed racing and working pit crews, mainly at the 81 Speedway. Jimmy was proud of winning the 1986 Hutchinson Nationals car race. He was an avid KU basketball fan and enjoyed following his beloved Jayhawks. Jimmy was a hard worker and could be found helping people with their projects. He was a long time active member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Newton, where he served on Bus Ministry, as an usher and a board member of the Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many.

He is survived by his wife Karen Etter of the home; son Kevin Etter of the home; and daughter Twila Calvert of Wichita. He also is survived by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jimmy was preceded in death in by his parents; first wife Sharon; sister Barbara Snaer; and son Doug Etter.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2016) at First Church of the Nazarene in Newton, with Pastor Charles West presiding. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 8, 2016) at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Restlawn Gardens of Memory in Newton. Memorials are suggested to First Church of the Nazarene in care of Petersen Funeral Home.