Dunlap – Edwin Metzger, 87, of Dunlap, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 22, 2011.

He was born July 28, 1924, in Radnor Township, Peoria County, the son of Paul and Bessie Gray Metzger. He married Kathryn Stewart on March 27, 1948. Kathryn survives, along with one daughter, Bonnie (Steve) Swanstrom of Morrison, Illinois; one son, Jim (Janet) Metzger of Dunlap; five grandchildren, Andrew (Monica), Scott, and Cory Swanstrom of Morrison, Illinois, and Angela Patterson of Dunlap, and Stacy (Kevin Winters) Metzger of Brimfield, Illinois; three great-grandchildren, Taylor and Katelyn Swanstrom and Tyler Patterson; one brother, Willard (Ann) Metzger of Mossville, Illinois; one sister, Florence Monroe of Peoria, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, two sons, and four brothers.

Ed farmed in Radnor and Akron Townships his entire life.

He was a member of the Peoria County Farm Bureau, and was a long time director of the Heart of Illinois Fair. Ed was instrumental with Phillip Elsasser in getting the tractor pulls started in the late 1950’s. He enjoyed antique tractors and taking the grandchildren on tractor rides. He also enjoyed antique tractor shows and watching his son and granddaughter at tractor pulls.

Funeral services for Edwin Metzger were at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Burial was in Prospect Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dunlap Fire and Rescue Department or to the American Heart Association.

Private condolences may be made to www.hammitt-hott.com.