John Morley 'Zeke' Edgerton, 80

John Morley "Zeke" Edgerton, 80, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 15, 2009, at his residence in Bigfork. He was born on Sept. 3, 1928, at the American Swedish Hospital in Rockford, Ill.; at 2 years old he became the son of Harold and Beatrice Edgerton.

He attended schools in Connecticut and Vermont; graduating from the Hartford Trade School as a machinist.

In 1949, John drove out to Montana from Connecticut to visit his aunt and uncle, Shorty and Ruth Withrow. In 1951 he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed on the Aleutian Islands digging up large oil drums buried on the islands during World War II. He worked for the Air Force wearing their insignia on his sleeve. After his Army service he made his home in Ferndale (Bigfork).

On July, 1959, he married Coby Ferguson of Bigfork, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

He worked for Royal Logging as a cat skinner for many years, and also Neil Meyer Logging.

John loved his old Ford antique cars, and he belonged to three National Ford Clubs and the Flathead Pioneer Auto Club. In later years he became interested in old engines and belonged to the Flathead Tractor and Engine Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Dr. Jean Edgerton, who had live in Bonn, Germany.

He is survived by his wife, Coby Edgerton, of Bigfork; two sons, Earl Edgerton of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Christopher Edgerton and wife Shelley of Bigfork; and four grandchildren, Sarah, Chase, Ashton and Ansleigh.

A memorial service for John will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the United Methodist Church in Bigfork, with Pastors Kathy Young and Ron Pierce officiating. There is no viewing.

The family request memorials be given to the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, 100 N. Ferndale Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for John's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign John's guest book.