Dr. H. Peter Ekern

Herman Peter Ekern passed away at 5:40 a.m. on June 28, 2012, at Audrain Medical Center.

Pete was born June 14, 1933, in Mexico, Missouri, and was the last of eight children born to Sallie Mays McCoy and Paul Chester Ekern.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Anderson Ekern, four children and nine grandchildren: Andy and Jessica Ekern (Will, Madison and Hayden) of Chicago, Ill., Jane Ekern and Shane Fairbanks (Peter and Lia) of Webster Groves, Mo., Kirk and Kim Ekern (Klaira, Kamden, Karsten and Kellen) of Mexico, Mo., and Anne Ekern of Santa Fe, N.M. Other survivors include sister Carolyn Ekern Peoples of Springfield, Mo., sisters-in-law Nancy (Paul) Ekern of Honolulu, Hi., Frances (Carol) Ekern of East Lansing, Mich., and Anita (George) Ekern of Darien, Conn., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Paul, Bert (Frances Henri), Bill (Corinne), Carol, George and sister Sallie Ruth Ekern.

He was a 1951 graduate of Mexico High School. He was a member of the MHS Football Hall of Fame, a hurdler on the track team and record holder for the most points scored (44) in an MHS basketball game. In 2006 Pete was honored by the school for his 42 years of service as team physician.

Pete graduated from the University of Missouri in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He lettered in football as a tight end playing for Coach Don Faurot and the team never lost to Kansas. Pete was a dedicated member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. In 1959 he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, followed by a rotating internship at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine. He returned to the University of Missouri for a two-year Family Practice Residency, then served as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana.

In 1964, Dr. Ekern returned to his hometown to open a family medical practice. He retired on July 15, 2011.

Dr. Ekern was active in all aspects of the medical community. He was a Missouri delegate to the American Medical Association for many years, active in the Missouri State Medical Association and served as president in 1985-1986. He was president of the Audrain County Medical Society, and on staff of Audrain Medical Center serving as Chief of Staff in 1971-1972 and 1981-1983. He was a Diplomate in the American Academy of Family Physicians. Pete was a mentor for many years in the University's Preceptorship Program and served a four-year term on the admissions committee. In 1989 he was awarded the Faculty-Alumni Award from the University of Missouri. He was a member of the Jefferson Club and the Tiger Scholarship Fund.

He served as deacon, elder and trustee in the First Presbyterian Church. The Mexico Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Ambassador Award in 1987. Since 1964 he was a member of Mexico Rotary Club and president in 1984. He was the Missouri Military Academy physician for 42 years and on the medical staff for National Refractories. Pete enjoyed being a 4-H leader, a member of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and the Audrain County Mizzou Alumni Association. He was a dedicated fly fisherman.

A memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 2, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

Those wishing to remember Pete may contribute to the Mexico Family YMCA Capital Campaign, 1127 Adams, Mexico, MO 65265.