Ernest H. "Ernie" Eikleberry, died Jan. 6, 2023,
at age 90.
He was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Salina, Kan., to Glen and Cecelia (Neubarth)
Eikleberry. He graduated from Salina High School, where he ran track. Upon
graduation in 1951, he joined the Kansas National Guard and then served in the
United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before his
discharge in 1955. He worked for the Saline County Engineer's Office and the
Saline County Noxious Weed Office, as well as for Clare Generator.
Ernie married Jane Jackson in 1960 in the Barnard Baptist Church. They had one
daughter, Leslie.
Ernie enjoyed reading non-fiction books, fishing, building things, watching
football, hanging out with the pool guys at the Salina Senior Center, and
cheering for his now-Central Mustangs. He was a member of the Sunflower Lions
Club for many years and served as District Governor.
Survivors include his wife, Jane; daughter, Leslie; a number of cousins; and
friends who became family, including Chuck and Bobbie Shannon, Dan and Janet
Sparks, and Wayne and Dorothy Owen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dale.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January
11, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday,
January 12 at Ryan Mortuary,
with burial in the Brookville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salina Emergency Aid
Food Bank or Tammy Walker Cancer Center.