Ernest C. Engelking

Ernest (Ernie) C. Engelking passed away after a short illness in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 30, 2025. He was born on October 18, 1957, to Rae Alvin Engelking and Evelyn Vaverka Engelking. Ernie was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A Rosary Ceremony will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Trout Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 am at St Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk, OK. Interment to follow at Newkirk Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, Ok, 74601.
He started his education at St. Francis Catholic School in Newkirk, Oklahoma before attending Newkirk Middle School, graduating from Newkirk High School in 1975. He recently celebrated his 50th high school reunion with the class of 1975. Ernie had wonderful penmanship after missing many recesses practicing his handwriting for unexplained reasons. He had a robust personality and could not go many places without running into someone he did not know. He was always up to tell a good story of his experiences driving a truck, farming, raising cattle and many of his other escapades.
He loved ranching. He first met his wife, Sandy, in 2003, when he was working in the Ponca City Refinery as a pipefitter. He was a member of the Pipefitter's Union Local 430 out of Tulsa, OK. She went with him to feed cattle and he told her this was his real job. His work history included working as a day worker cowboy for local ranchers, driving a truck, as a pipefitter and his true love having his own cattle. He said he would have cattle until the day he died and he was true to his word.
Ernie and Sandy were married on November 11, 2005. He instantly became step-dad to his two bonus children, Clay Morgan and Kelly Kelley. Later he became Poppy to his three grandchildren whom he adored.
Ernie was preceded in death by: his parents, Rae and Evelyn Engelking, In-laws, Jim and Kathryn Ritter; brother-in-law, Wes Ritter and sister-in-law, Jackie Engelking. He is survived by: his wife, Sandy, children, Clay (Beth) Morgan and Kelly Kelley; siblings, Rae Engelking, Frank (Malynda) Engelking and Teresa (Russell) Cobb; grandchildren, Piper and Colson Morgan and Kathryn Kelley; brother and sister-in-Law, Charlie and Connie Ritter, sister-in-law, Emily Ritter, and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Jacob Engelking, Jared Engelking, Jon Engelking, Luke Hutchason, Clinton Downs and Billy Mott. Honorary pallbearers are Duane Vap, Hugh Leven, Marty Ehrlich and Kelly Casebolt.