Earnest (Earnie) Worley Jr., age 96, passed away at the Legends Assisted Living Facility in Topeka on Friday, June 28, 2024.
He was born on June 8, 1928 in Prairie, AR. Earnie was married to Ottilie for 68 wonderful years. During his longtime residence in Manhattan, after retiring from the Army with 20 years, he worked for the city of Manhattan in the water works division for 20 years, retired and then drove a school bus for 14 years until needing to retire for good.
Earlier in his life he loved to bowl. He enjoyed collecting school busses, and he loved the challenge of putting together a difficult puzzle in the puzzle room, or playing bingo with the ladies.
He is survived by his two children Beverly Kearbey and Rici Worley of Topeka, KS; two grandchildren Rachel Headrick of St. Louis, Mo and Christopher Headrick (and wife Rachael) of Rolla, MO; five great-grandchildren, Kessah Headrick of St. Louis, MO, Colton Headrick (and wife Elizabeth) of Rolla, MO., Cayden Headrick of Springfield, MO, Anna Headrick of Columbia, MO; two great-great-grandchildren, Kyler Headrick of St. Louis, MO and Maddie Headrick of Rolla, MO.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ottilie (Tilly); his parents Earnest and Flora; one sister Kathleen; one brother Gerald; a son Roger Lee Worley; and a grandson Jonathan Headrick.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday July 15, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Pastor Melanie Nord officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Earnie to the Legends Senior Living in Topeka. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.