Lionel Gordon Ernst, son of Joseph and Bertha (Schneider) Ernst, was born Nov. 15, 1935, at Oits, KS. His death occurred on May 29, 1984, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Hays. His age is 48 years, 6 months, and 14 days.

"Sonny" as all his friends knew him, lived nearly all his life in the Russell area, received his education in the Russell Schools, graduating from Russell High School in 1953. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, and after his honorable discharge from military service, returned to Russell to make his home. On Dec. 22, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Rose Cannon at Russell, and this union was blessed with four children: Greg, Julie, Kay, and Joseph.

Most of his working life was a truck driver, and for the past several years he has worked as an independent trucker for the Golden Plains Cattle and Grain Co.

The family had just recently moved from Russell, KS to Hays where they were making their home at 206 E. 24th St.

Lionel was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers: Waldo and Orlando Margheim and Robert Ernst; also a sister, El Frieda Davis.

Survivors are his wife, Mary of the home; children: Greg, Mrs. Stanley (Julie) Honas and Mrs. Doug (Kay) Honas, all of Ellis; and Joseph, of the home in Hays; and five grandchildren. Other survivors are brothers: Vernon Margheim of Hesperia, CA; Fred Ernst of Russell; Alex and Albert Ernst of Dodge City; Carl Ernst of Ashland; and Roland Ernst of Bakersfield, CA; also sisters: Mrs. Henry (Vierna) Kerbs of Nevada, MO; and Mr. Pete (Carol) Billinger of Russell.

Funeral at Pohlman's Memorial Chapel on May 31, 1984, with Rev. James Strasen. Cremation will follow with interment later at the Milberger Cemetery.