Ernest Leroy Jones, age 94, of Osawatomie, Kansas, died November 7, 2010 at the Life Care Center in Osawatomie.

Ernest was born November 1, 1916 at Beagle, Kansas. He was the only child born to John Fredrick and Altha (Rookstool) Jones. He attended grade school at Mound Creekand graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1933.

Ernest was united in marriage to Margaret Corrine Lormor on June 7, 1943 at Olathe, Kansas. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of two children.

Ernest served our country with the United States Army during World War II. Margaret followed Ernest while he served stateside. Ernest served in all five Battles of the Bulge, receiving a Silver Star. His military duty began October 7, 1941 and he was honorably discharged October 10, 1945.

Ernest worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. As a locomotive engineer, he ran the last steam engine into Osawatomie that actually pulled freight. He retired from the railroad in 1981. Not only did Ernest work full-time for the railroad, he was also a fulltime farmer.

He had several hobbies, his number one hobby being gardening. He also enjoyed trout fishing at Roaring River and traveling, and he was an avid reader. Ernest tried out for the New York Yankees as a pitcher, but injured his arm. At one time Ernest pitched for five teams at the same time. He was a die hard Yankee fan to the very end.

Ernest was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osawatomie where he had served on the board of trustees and also as head usher for many years. Ernest was also a member of the NARVRE, the Masons, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, VFW, American Legion, Miami County Democrats, Miami County Museum Board, 10 years on the Parks & Recreation Committee, and was active in the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he served on the Osawatomie City Council from the age of 66 until he turned 80.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Margaret of the home; his daughter Patricia Hendricks and her husband Paul of Clinton, Missouri; his son Leroy Jones and his wife Carolyn of Overland Park; four grandchildren Annie Rogers, Jason Hendricks, Keegan Jones, and Darcy Jones; and one great granddaughter Margaret Grace Rogers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Osawatomie with Masonic services. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie. Burial will be in the Beagle Cemetery with military honors. Memorials are to the Ernest and Margaret Jones Scholarship Fund.