Kenneth August Erton

Kenneth August Erton, 75, of Robinson, IL, died February 10, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 23, 1947, in Vincennes, IN, the son of Charles William & Sarah Catherine (Byrd) Erton. He grew up between Wheatland and Vincennes and was a 1965 graduate of Lincoln High School in Vincennes. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1965-1969, working on guidance systems for aircraft during the Vietnam War. His training as an instrument tech would provide invaluable skills that would eventually serve him well throughout his professional career. Following his honorable discharge, he soon found work at the Marathon refinery. Over the course of the next 39 years, he worked his way up to Foreman over the Instrument Shop before retiring in 2008. Anyone who knew Ken could attest to the fact that the man loved anything with a motor. He was very mechanically-minded and tinkered with more cars and motorcycles than one could imagine! His pride and joy was a 1968 Corvette that he restored from the ground up. His passion for cars overflowed into an affection for auto racing. In short, it didn't matter what he was watching-NASCAR, IndyCar, World of Outlaws Sprint Car, drag racing-if it was loud and had a set of tires, he was fully invested! Ken also invested himself into a number of local organizations, from the Robinson American Legion Post #69 (where he served as Commander for a time) to the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549 and Robinson Elks Lodge #1188 (where he formerly served on the house committee.) It was evident that his family meant the world to him, and he worked hard to provide for their needs throughout his life. As a young father, in addition to his career at Marathon, Ken would take night classes at LTC to earn his associate's degree, all while building their home! As his boys grew older, he would always make himself available for any of their projects and was instrumental in helping them build their homes as well. He married Jane Wampler on June 18, 1966, and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage before his passing. He is also survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Scott & Mindy (Motor) Erton (Robinson, IL) and Troy & Angela (Pifer) Erton (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, SSgt. Ethan Knoblett (Fort Richardson, AK), Capt. Timothy Erton (Offutt Air Force Base, NE), Kendra & Tyler Potter (Stoy, IL), Collin "Cole" Knoblett (Palestine, IL), Connor Erton (Robinson, IL), Riley Erton (Robinson, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Ryker Potter (as well as another great-grandchild on the way); by his siblings, Linda Coglin (Jacksonville, FL), Carolyn Sue Dillon (Vincennes, IN), Charles William "Bill" & Bev Erton (Dunnellon, FL), and Steve & Valerie Erton (Vincennes, IN); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry O. Erton. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor J.D. Branson officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. A live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorial contributions may be made to the "Robinson American Legion Post #69" or to the "Robinson Booster Club", with envelopes available at the funeral home.