Ernie Winslow

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Ernest Allen “Ernie” Winslow, age 88, of Liberal, MO, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022, after a short stay at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri.

Ernie was born February 8, 1934, near Milford, Iowa, to Ross and Elsie (Dodge) Winslow. As part of a high school graduation requirement, he wrote a paper about the United States Navy. Based on information gained from his report, he enlisted in the Navy immediately following graduation. He was called to active duty on December 15, 1953 and began his Naval career at Naval Training Center San Diego where he graduated from Commissary School. 

It was at this point he received the nickname “Big Don” after a cartoon character “Don Winslow of the Navy”. He was first stationed at Mir-A-Mar and later on Kodiak Island, Territory of Alaska, for two years where he worked for Fleet Weather. He dreamed of remaining on Kodiak Island for the rest of his life. After four years of active duty and four years inactive duty in the Naval Reserves he received his final discharge papers on December 14, 1961.

In the 1960s Ernest worked for Iowa Conservation and People’s Natural Gas in Spencer, Iowa. On October 22, 1960, he married Benetta Lou Jeanne Steigerwalt in Glidden, Iowa. They farmed and milked cows at several locations in Iowa before moving to Barton County in 1965. He continued to farm with his parents, milk and trade cows and goats, raise dogs and all kinds of exotic livestock for many years. 

In the 1970s Ernie worked at Liberal Locker and Jerry’s Grocery Store in Sheldon. In the 1980s he built a Grade A dairy barn and milked Holsteins and registered Ayrshires. He was most proud of Flo who was a nationally ranked Ayrshire cow. 

At the same time, he also drove a school bus for Liberal R-II Schools for many years. During retirement, he enjoyed gardening, raising fruit trees, and keeping all kinds of poultry. His “container gardens” were featured in several Joplin Globe articles. He often entered garden produce at Lamar Free Fair. This year he won first place with his onion sets. He loved to talk and no one ever visited him without hearing many stories.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lou, of the home and children: Linda (Kevin) Krueth and Dr. Charles (Shanda) Winslow of Lamar, and Milton (Rosemary) Winslow of Malta, Idaho. Grandchildren Kendall and Joy Krueth, Clayton, Michaela, Caden and Caleb Winslow of Lamar, Orin (Christine) Winslow of California, Janelle (Dakotah) Dossier, John, Melanie, and Dustin Winslow of Idaho and great granddaughter Addy Doshier of Idaho also survive Ernest. Additional survivors include sisters Waneta Clague of Iowa and Darlene Jane Brayfield of Golden City and sister-in law Marlene Sherwin of Iowa and Arizona. Numerous nieces and nephews, and a large extended family of friends and neighbors that called him Grandpa including Mary Lee and Grevyn Phillips survive Ernie.

His parents, siblings Eva Mae Winslow, Viola (Henry) Van Bebber, Chester (Leona) Winslow, and one grandson Allen Winslow preceded him in death. In addition, sister-in-law Beverly (Frank) Pellet, brothers-in law George (Lois) Steigerwalt, Bill (Pat) Steigerwalt, Frank Sherwin, Delbert Clague, Ervin Bernhagen, and Cecil Brayfield preceded him in death.



Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Barton City Cemetery in care of the funeral home.



Ernest was a Seventh-day Adventist. A funeral service at Konantz Warden Funeral Home is planned for November 19, 2022 at 2:30 PM.