George F. Etchberger, 82, of Myerstown, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
Born in Lebanon on Sept. 3, 1943, he was the son of the late Paul F. and Kathrine (Bennetch) Etchberger. George graduated from Bethel High School as Class President with the Class of 1961. He went on to serve in the Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He became a jet engine mechanic after learning the skills to work on USAF aircraft with four or more engines (B52F bombers and C-130 transporters) with the PA Air National Guard. He served as a flight engineer on versions of the C-121 aircraft that deployed worldwide. He had a reputation for not speaking negatively about anyone. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, working in his flower beds, trying to grow cotton in PA, cutting wood for the winter to keep the family warm, raising Bernese Mountain Dogs, and training wild or orphan raccoons.
He is survived by his siblings, Russell L. Etchberger, of Panama City, FL, Richard L. Etchberger, of Shannon, IL, David P. Etchberger, of Shamokin, Jeffrey J. Etchberger, of Bethel, Gloria J. Marko, of Lebanon, Mary L. Bashore, of Myerstown, and Susan J. Freed, of Palm City, FL. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jacob F. Etchberger and Paul F. Etchberger Jr.; and sisters, Barbara A. Iceman, Rosanna M. Boltz, and Carrie A. Graybill.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A funeral procession will form at 9:45 a.m. at Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home, 5 Camp Meeting Road, Jonestown.
