Ray Ernest "Ernie" Tackett, Jr., 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023, at his home.

Born October 1, 1936, in Caldwell, Kansas, he was the son of Ray Ernest, Sr. and Lucille Virginia (Wood) Tackett.  He was raised and received his early education in Caldwell before moving with his family to Winfield, where he graduated in 1954.  After highschool, he worked at Higgenbottom Grocery and Jarvis Automotive, before beginning his career with CocaCola Bottling Company.

Ernie was united in marriage to Ethel "Marie" Melugin on December 27, 1959 at the Maple City Community Church.  The couple made their home in Winfield where Ernie continued working for CocaCola for over 30 years.  He later worked various part-time jobs until retiring in 2013.

Ernie was a member of Northside Baptist Church.  He enjoyed drag racing, hunting, and fishing.

His family includes his wife Marie Tackett of Winfield; his children, Susan Campbell and husband, Tom of Winfield; Steve Tackett and wife, Debbie of Winfield; Gene Tackett and wife, Rhonda of Winfield; Sheryl Turner-Edwards and husband, Jerry of Arkansas City; Chris Tackett and wife, Robin of Arkansas City; and his 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his brother Daniel Joe Tackett and a grandson Jeremiah David Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Miles Funeral Service.  Interment will follow at Maple City Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M.  The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Ernie's name for Northside Baptist Church and for Friendship Meals Fund of Winfield.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

The Tackett Family would like to extend a special thank you to Phoenix Home Care & Hospice for the tremendous care they have provided for the last two years.

Ernie's funeral service will be available live at the following link: