The Rev. Donald F. Etherton, retired priest of the Diocese of Easton, died May 26, at the age of 72, of a sudden heart attack.

Fr. Etherton was born in Baltimore, Md. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland, and Philadelphia Divinity School, and was ordained priest in 1955. In Maryland, he was vicar of Church of the Ascension, Rockdale, from 1954-1958, vicar of Church of the Ascension, Middle River, from 1958 to 1963 and rector of Christ Church, St. Michael's, from 1963-1993. He retired in 1994. Fr. Etherton was a deputy to General Convention in 1967, 1973 and 1979, and was an alternate in 1970. He also served on diocesan commissions and committees. Fr. Etherton is survived by his wife, Gloria, five children and nine grandchildren.