Ernest Archer

AGENCY — Ernest Edward Archer, 78, of Livonia, Mo., formerly of Agency, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Mo.The son of John William and Harriett LuCylvia (McGhghy) Archer, he was born on June 6, 1929 in Dean, Iowa. On Jan. 30, 1950 in Livonia, Mo., he was united in marriage to Agnes Morgan by Rev. Bertha Porter and to this union five children were born, Lonnie, Debra, Mona, Kelley and Jodi.Survivors include his wife, Agnes (Morgan) Archer of 58 years; his children, Lonnie Archer and wife, Frances of Drakesville, Iowa, Mona Archer of Lebanon, Iowa, Kelley Archer and friend, Shelly Groseclose of Selma, Iowa and Jodi Archer and friend, Greg Roberts of Ottumwa, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; two of whom were raised by Ernie and Agnes; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Charles Archer and wife, Violet of Agency, Iowa; two sisters, Edna Frost and husband, Norman of Ottumwa, Iowa and Goldie Denisar of Ottumwa, Iowa.Ernest “Ernie” is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Debra (Duck) Archer; five brothers, Frances, Lawrence, Leslie, Walter and Clifford; one sister, Geneva Swarts; and one grandchild, Jeremy Archer.Ernie was a trustee for the city of Livonia, Mo. and was instrumental in the Bluegrass Festival held in Livonia, Mo. every year by keeping the grounds mowed and parking campers for 25 years. Ernie was employed by John Morrell in Ottumwa, Iowa for 25 years and then was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad on the Section crew for 18 years from which he retired.Ernie had many hobbies which included his love to hunt, fish, trap, mushroom hunt, watch birds, weave, garden and work in the yard. He also loved being with his grandchildren especially at his Easter Egg Hunt and his greatest passion was dirt track racing and NASCAR.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Mo. with Sonny Smyser, Pastor of the Lancaster United Methodist Church, officiating.Pallbearers will be Kevin Archer, Keith Archer, Mark Nelson, Joseph Nelson, Josh Archer and Jon Archer.Honorary pallbearers will be Marla Shafer, Gloria Reeves, Carmen Boughner, Cassie Archer, Mariah Archer and Lindsey Archer.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, between the hours of 6-8 p.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Mo.Memorials have been established for the Thompson Cemetery.Burial will be held at the Thompson Cemetery.Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Mo.Obituary may be viewed at: www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp