George L. Erker, 95, of Conway Springs, retired farmer, died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis, Wichita.

George was born April 6, 1928, at Ost, Kan., to George Joseph Erker and Mary (Helten) Erker. He moved with his family to a farm west of Conway Springs at the age of 8 years. He attended the nearby Holly Hill rural school and began working on the farm at a young age.

George entered the U.S. Army on Nov. 16, 1950, and he served as a member of the 47th Army Camouflage Engineers during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 15, 1952.

Following his discharge, George worked at Boeing Aircraft for a short time before working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad out of Conway Springs. He later worked for the Sutton Company, manufacturing Vornado fans before starting to farm in 1954.

George was united in marriage to Rovella Lovell (Lowry) Ledesma on Aug. 10, 1983, in Wellington. They made their home on the farm at 134 W. 110th Ave. N. until retiring to Conway Springs in 2004.

George was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Edgar, Paul, Irvin “Butch,” Justin and Lawrence Erker; one sister, Antoinette Lane.

George is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rovella Erker; three step-sons, Patrick Ledesma, Christopher Ledesma, and Jay Ledesma, all of Wellington; two step-daughters, Karen Whaley of Wellington, and Melanie Dawson Cox of Wichita; one brother, Francis Thome of Wichita; one sister, Mary Lou Klincak of Olathe; 39 step-grandchildren; 27 step-great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be at 7p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, and funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs, with Father Kyle Dugan as celebrant. Graveside military rites will be by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Conway Springs.

Arrangements are by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs. Online condolences and guest book are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

A memorial has been established with St. Joseph Catholic School.