Ernest Jule Gehlken

Ernest Jule Gehlken, 92, of Sedalia, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He was born on June 6, 1929, in Sedalia, the son of Joseph Edward and Lula Catherine (Williams) Gehlken, who preceded him in death.

On September 10, 1955, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Pauline Christian who also preceded him in death.

Ernie served in the army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. While working as a lab technician for Beatrice Foods Company, Ernie met the love of his life, Pauline. After the company closed their Sedalia location, Ernie went to work for ADCO in the lab.

Ernie made a commitment in his late teens at a revival, but at the age of 55, he came to a true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and followed in obedience to God's command and was baptized into Christ at Calvary Baptist Church, Sedalia. Ernie served as a Sunday School teacher for middle-school boys for numerous years at Calvary. Ernie and Pauline were one of the founding families of Cornerstone Baptist Church where they actively served. Ernie was a hobby farmer. He raised all kinds of animals and birds and loved sharing his passion for animals with his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Most people would consider Ernie to be a gentle giant. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you wanted to listen.

Survivors include two daughters, Vickie (Ben) Embree of Sedalia, and Jill (Scott) Fields of Joplin, MO; two sisters, Clara Moore, Sedalia, and Edna Barnes, Warrensburg, MO; five granddaughters: Dana (Brad) Clemons, Kirstin (Sheldon) Swan, Cara (Brandon) Bellegarde, Leah (Gerardo) Sanchez, and Allison Fields; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob Clemons, Claire Clemons, William Clemons, Jaylen Bellegarde, Finley Bellegarde, Elodie Swan, Lively Swan, Gabriella Sanchez, and Lucas Sanchez.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Loyd Gehlken, Ed Gehlken, Wes Gehlken, Roy Gehlken; and one sister, Mary Boatcher.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2022, at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Guffey officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, with military honors conducted by the United States Army.

Pallbearers will be Brad Clemons, Sheldon Swan, Brandon Bellegarde, Gerardo Sanchez, Jacob Clemons, and Will Clemons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church or Crossroads Hospice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.