Edward Earl Gettys Sr.

Edward Earl Gettys Sr., 62, El Dorado Springs, was born Dec. 8, 1947, in Nevada to Edward Boyd Gettys and Helen (Johnson) Gettys. He passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility after a long battle with cancer.

Although Ed’s early childhood was spent in El Dorado Springs, he grew up traveling the country with his family. He lived in some extraordinary places but always called El Dorado Springs home.

At the age of 17, Edward joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 22 years, receiving numerous medals and commendations.
Ed served all over the world, including several tours in Vietnam. He began his career as a Machinist Mate but later joined the
Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, Group Two. He achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, with badges as Master EOD
Technician and Master Diver. At the end of his Navy career, Edward had the great honor of being senior instructor at EOD Training School in Indian Head, MD. Ed retired from the Navy in March 1987 and returned to his hometown of El Dorado Springs.

After retiring from the Navy, Ed could not remain idle. He took a position with Physicians Medical Homecare and remained with the company until he retired in 2007. Edward began this career delivering medical equipment but ended as the Vice President of Operations. He took great care and pride in serving the needs of others.

It was while working at Physicians Medical that Edward met his current wife, Debbie. They were united in marriage on Dec. 12, 1992, in El Dorado Springs.

Preceding Edward in death were his mother, Helen, and father, Boyd, as well as his grandparents.

Survivors include: his wife, Debbie - El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Carol Gerster – Texas, and Amy Stones, and husband, Vern - Colorado; three sons - Michael and David – both of Florida, and Edward Gettys Jr., and partner, Marla Uptegrove - El Dorado Springs; two daughters, Karen Gettys - Joplin, and Beth Gettys - El Dorado Springs; four granddaughters; and one grandson, his namesake, Edward E. Gettys III.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crosslines or Second Chance Barnyard