MONMOUTH, Ill. -- The staff, family, friends, racers and sponsors of the USMTS, USRA and RL Promotions wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ed Sheckler.

Ed passed away at his home in Monmouth, Ill., early Tuesday morning from complications of liver cancer.

Ed aided in the development of the USMS, which was started by his son, Doug, in 1994. Since then, Ed played an instrumental part in the success of the USMTS, as well as the United States Racing Association (USRA), Pepsi Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo., and the Mountain Dew Bloomfield (Iowa) Speedway. Ed's tireless efforts have made the annual USMTS stop at the Knoxville (Ill.) County Fairgrounds one of the biggest and most successful events on the calendar each year.

More importantly, Ed's genuine respect and care for the drivers and fans surrounding him was always evident. Ed came closer than anybody to dispelling the phrase 'You can't please all the people all the time.'

The Knoxville event will now and forever be known as the Ed Sheckler Memorial.

He will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace, Ed.

Obituary

Mr. Ed (Sheck) Sheckler, Galesburg Chapel, 66, of Monmouth, Ill., died at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 at his home.

He was born April 7, 1940, in Burlington, Iowa -- the son of James Harrison and Erma Elizabeth Heuer Sheckler. He married Chris Newell in Monmouth on Aug. 12, 1995. She survives.

Also surviving is one son, Douglas Sheckler of Galesburg, one daughter, Melissa (Brent) Gromala of Carol Stream, two brothers, James Sheckler of Marion, Iowa, and Lewis Sheckler of Radford, Va., a twin sister, Esther Mathias of Terre Haute, Ind., and two grandchildren, Payton and Jackson Sheckler.

He was a band teacher for 36 years, retiring in 1999. He first taught in Lexington for 10 years and later at Monmouth High school for 26 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Olivet Nazarene University. He later received his Masters degree from Illinois State University. During his tenure at Monmouth High School, the band received 22 first-place ratings at the Illinois State Music Contest and numerous other honors. In 1991, the band competed against bands from across the nation at the All American Festival in Florida and took home 13 trophies, winning everything that there was for them to win. Upon retirement he did public relations for the United States Modified Touring Series, which is a national racing series. He was also instrumental in bringing auto racing to the Knox County Fair in recent years. He attended the Countryside Bible Church in Monmouth.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. this Saturday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. Ken Muck will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Western Illinois Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 145, Monmouth, IL 61462 or the Countryside Bible Church, 824 245th Ave., Monmouth, IL 61462. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.