John Whitaker ("Whit") Ewing

John Whitaker ("Whit") Ewing, 81, of Akron, Ohio, passed away Tuesday November 27, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Whit was born on Jan. 21, 1937 in East Liverpool, Ohio, son of the late Charles Earl and Grace A. (Simmons) Ewing. He was married to Sandra L. (Zimmerman) Ewing on June 18, 1960, who survives.

Whit was a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He had a long career as an academic physician in the field of Orthopedic Surgery.
After graduating from Greensburg High School (Pennsylvania), he attended the University of Miami (Florida), on a football scholarship from 1955-1957. He then transferred to Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio where he continued to play football and run track as well, becoming Captain of both the football and track teams during his senior year. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1960.
It was during his time at Mount Union that he met Sandra Zimmerman, and they were married in 1960. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, graduating with his M.D. degree in 1964.
Dr. Ewing secured a surgical residency position at Akron City Hospital, and during the intern year, he was inducted and commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and began his service during the Viet Nam conflict. He was a recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal from the Surgeon General of the Navy, for meritorious service in treating a Vietnamese child on June 29, 1966, in the face of possible mob violence. He was honorably discharged in 1967. After completing his residency he was board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in 1972. He joined a group practice, eventually becoming one of the founders of The Crystal Clinic. He became a pioneer in the new field of arthroscopy, eventually becoming the President of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) in 1990-1991. Dr. Ewing's first clinical scope was performed in January 1973. In addition to training residents in Akron, and serving as a Professor of Orthopedics for the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, he gave lectures and surgical teaching seminars all over the world. Dr. Ewing and fellow board members at AANA brought the concept of an arthroscopic learning center to fruition. Today, thousands of surgeons from around the world travel to Chicago to attend hands-on programs there.

Whit and his wife Sandy were members of The Chapel, and hosted home Bible studies for decades. A highlight of their travels was going to the Holy Land in 1979. Whit's other passions included golf and he was an avid reader, especially of crime mysteries and spy genre books, crossword puzzle enthusiast, a former excellent league bowler and card player, major Pittsburgh Steeler fan and Cavs fan.

Whit will be sadly missed by his wife of 58 years, Sandy; his two children, Kisa (Ewing) Weeman and her husband Ben, Kurt and his wife Tricia (Rodriguez) Ewing; and his 4 grandchildren, Jackson and Ellie Ewing, and Joel and David Weeman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dawn E. Sherwood. He also leaves many other extended family members, including sisters-in-law, Janie Enos and her husband Tony, and Barbara Kearney; brother-in-law, Jack Zimmerman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Whit was known for his passion for his country, career, sports, and family; but first and foremost, his love and loyalty for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Family and friends will be received from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd.
A service of remembrance will be conducted in the Memorial Chapel at 135 Fir Hill in Akron, on Wednesday, December 5th at 11 a.m., with Dr. David Burnham officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burnham Ministries International, P.O. Box 81165, Boca Raton, Florida, 33481; or to Camp Carl, c/o The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, Ohio 44304.
To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)