Ross W. Wherry

Ross W. Wherry, 66, of Moline, passed on Friday, June 7, 2019, surrounded by loving family and dachshund.

He was born November 30, 1952, in Springfield, the son of Richard and Doris Wherry.  While he was born and died in the same-ish zip code, he traveled the world helping others. He was the first Eagle Scout of Orion, Troup 123.  During his time in the Marines and the State Department (USAID), he was stationed in Africa, Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Asia.  He saved sea turtles, helped farmers, encouraged education, improved access to medical care and clean water, and worked to repair infrastructure in war torn countries.

Ross mastered several languages, sang in community and church choirs, played French horn, and enjoyed the arts.  Ross was an enthusiastic travel guide and history buff.  He nurtured gardens, hiked in the National Parks, and remained involved in local theatres and historical preservation.  Still, he always found time for a glass of wine, a good cheese, a thick book, a hearty laugh, and sharing stories with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael.  He is survived by his wife and daughters, Donna, Kathryn and Antonia; his siblings, Donald, Maryan, and Chon; sisters-in-law, Sharon and Diana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2019, at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 9221 148th Avenue, Orion.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, at Kirk, Huggins, and Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd., Orion.  Burial will be at Rural Township Cemetery.  Military honors will be conducted.

Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts Troup 123 Orion, Genesius Guild Theatre, Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation, or the Crowe Animal Sanctuary.