Ernest James 'Lightning" England, 95, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at his home in Kismet.
He was born Feb. 7, 1930 to Ruben and Ella (Dageforde) England.
He married Wanita Rose Aug. 3, 1952. She survives.
He was a graduate of Paola High School with the Class of 1951. After graduation he joined the Army and served four years before settling down in Kismet.
He worked as a mechanic for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline for 40 years before retiring in 1988. He has also worked for the city of Kismet for 10 years and was a custodian for Grace Lutheran Church for more than 10 years.
He was a jack of all trades who enjoyed working on old cars and could repair just about any engine he encountered.
He was a member of Grace Evangelical Church in Liberal.
Survivors also include daughters, Kay Harris, Colorado City, Texas, and Brenda (Dennis) Grubbs, Lakin; son, Darrell England, Plains; brother, Victor England, Gillette, Wy.; sister, Shirley Schaeffer, Perry; seven grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beverly Myers; son-in-law, Kenneth Myers; son-in-law, Eldon Harris; one brother; and three sisters.
• There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.
A family memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Liberal, with a visitation held from 10 a.m. until service time.
Memorials are suggested to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1200 W. 11th Street, Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at millermortuary.net.
