Earnie G. Waterman, age 72, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Marigold Rehab and Health Center in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born October 5, 1953 in Hopper, Illinois, the son of George and Viola Bundy Waterman. On November 12, 1968, he married Betty JoAnn Keever in Canton, Missouri.

Earnie was a machinist for Burlington Northern/Sante Fe Railroad for thirty years. A jack of all trades, he also built homes, restored and remodeled homes, was a wood carver, and character carver. He enjoyed watching chainsaw carving, hunting, fishing, helping anyone in need, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the International Association of Machinists.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, three children, Scott (Lue) Waterman of Zephyrhills, FL, Stacey (Greg Eland) Waterman of Middletown, Iowa, Beth (Allen) Tomson of Stronghurst, eight grandchildren, Nick (Ana) Waterman, Mykaila (Jacob) Arrey, Samantha (Dalton) Brokaw, Kristin Swisher, Jessica (Darrin) Doss, Kaitlyn (Jacob Osborne) Wooters, Cameron Wooters, and Megan Buster, seven great grandchildren, and two sisters, Edna Keever of Gladstone, IL, and Georgia (Ron) Walker of Burlington, IA. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Katherine Waterman, Pearl Mabe, Edith Crawford, and Gladys Bigger.

As per Earnie’s wishes, cremation rites are being accorded. The family will receive friends and family from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 27th at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Memorials have been established for Hospice Compassus and for the family. Please visit Earnie’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.