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 numberof 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank or Tammy Walker Cancer Center.