Earnest Whyman Pinkley, 89, of Festus died June 27, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Pinkley was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired as a chemical worker from LaRoche Industries of Festus after 40 years. He was a 60-year member of Second Baptist Church in Festus, and worked maintenance for 14 years at the church’s Living Springs Camp. After retirement, he and his wife spent six weeks exploring the American west, and wintered for 20 years in Ft. Myers, Fla., where he was an avid horseshoe player helping his team win several awards. He also donated his time in maintenance, earning eight trophies.
He was born Nov. 1, 1931, in Munger, the son of the late Lillie Belle (Mund) and William Oscar Pinkley.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Alta (Bailey) Pinkley; a daughter: Donna (Wayne) Perry of Pevely; a son: Brian (Karen) Pinkley of Pevely; and two grandsons: Mark Perry and Jacob (Sari) Pinkley.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Carl E. (the late Helen) Pinkley and Fred (the late Loraine) Pinkley; and four sisters: Viola (the late Albert “Bud”) Stark, Glenda (the late Joseph) Mayer, Alice (the late Ernest) Robinson and Ann (Fred survives) Juncker.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Saturday, July 3, at Second Baptist Church in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Randy Casey and the Rev. James Waymire. Burial is in the Lebanon Baptist Cemetery in Bloomsdale. Memorials may be made to Living Springs Camp. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.