Ernest Perry Niquette

Ernest Perry Niquette, 87, passed away on March 14, 2016. Ernie was born on January 28, 1929, in Manhattan, Kansas to Reamon and Lena Niquette. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Carol, and his brother Carroll (Smokey). Ernie is survived by his wife, Verla, his three children, Melody of Indianapolis; Kendall (Nimfa) and Tricia, grandchildren Kyle and Holly, all of Wichita; sisters Dorothy Branch of Sacramento, and Mary Atwater of Wichita; and his beloved kitty Millie. Ernie graduated high school in Arnold, KS. He attended Fort Hays State University earning a degree in Nuclear Physics and Aeronautical Engineering. He spent 39 years in engineering with Boeing. Prior to and after retirement, he volunteered for the Midian Shrine Van Driver’s Unit, making more than 100 trips driving families to the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis, MO. After retirement, he began a second career as a volunteer at Botanica, where he contributed more than 5,000 hours of service. Ernie loved his career, singing, coin collecting, travel and watching baseball.

Visitation with the family present 5-7 p.m., Thursday March 17 at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 S. Hydraulic. Funeral Service, 1:30 p.m., Friday March 18 at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Botanica, Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy Fund or First United Methodist Church 50/50 Sunday School Class.