Edward J. ‘Ed’ Eubanks

THOMSON – Edward J. “Ed” Eubanks, 65, of Thomson, died Thursday July 14, 2016, at his home, after a brief illness.

He was born March 9, 1951, in Sterling the son of Loyde and Joan (Kaeser) Eubanks. He graduated in 1971 from Milledgeville High School, attended Western Illinois University, and was a man of many talents. He worked from 1973 to 2001 at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. After retiring from NWSW, Ed pursued many ventures. He made willow furniture and hardwood furniture. He purchased a Timberking portable saw mill, and established On Site Milling for 9 years. He met many great people cutting their trees into lumber.

In his younger years, Ed enjoyed hunting, but fishing became his passion. He loved his time alone on the Mississippi River. Winter ice fishing was his favorite time to fish. He fished in 17 states and three countries. Fshing in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, was his favorite. Sitting on the deck of his cabin on the Mississippi was a favorite pastime. See Youtube, “Paradise on the Mississippi River,” for a piece of Ed’s legacy.

Ed was a trusted friend to many. He had a quiet sense of humor that was accentuated by his exceptionally bright mind. He would investigate and gather information to deal with life’s projects. He wished he would have pursued a career in engineering. He was great at fixing things that were not broken, as well as those that were. He was a member of Thomson Bait Shop Men’s Club, where he made many good friends. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. At the age of 50, the bachelor, Ed, married Paula Sharkey on Nov. 2, 2001, in Negril, Jamaica.

Ed is survived by his wife, Paula Eubanks of Thomson; mother and stepfather, Joan and Frank Massengill of Milledgeville; nephews, Curt (Pam) Eubanks of Chadwick, Darrin (Jennifer) Eubanks of Lanark; great-nephews, Cameron and Colton Eubanks of Lanark and Collin and Conner Eubanks of Chadwick; great-great-nephews, Cambry and Cashton Eubanks of Lanark; and stepdaughter, Cody (Levi) Henson, and grandsons, Julian Parrott and Quin Henson, all of White Bluff, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his father, Loyde Eubanks; and brother, Douglas Eubanks.

A celebration honoring Ed was May 15, 2016. More than 80 family and friends attended a fish fry at the Kenny and Carol Eubanks homestead on that beautiful day. There will be no formal services. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Jones Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements.

Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.