Earnest Lee Mooney

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Earnest Lee Mooney, 71, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., passed away Oct. 21, 2012, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Earnest was born April 21, 1941, to Alvin and Fern (Shaw) Mooney in Stockton, Mo.

In 1959, Earnest graduated from El Dorado Springs High School where he excelled as a football player. When he was young he attended the Baptist Church. In later years, he belonged to the Eagles and Bushwhackers of Nevada. He worked for many years as a carpenter and helped build Stockton Dam. He also worked at the Nevada State Hospital and St. Joseph State Hospital.

Earnest loved hunting and fishing. He was an antique car buff and auction fanatic. He loved his dogs "Baby" and "Freckles." They went everywhere with him. His dream was to own the old school in Jerico Springs and he finally got it. He used to play Santa Claus in the old gym as well as at family gatherings for many years.

Preceding Earnest in death were his parents and two brothers-in-law, Craig Manning and Gary Zellmer.

Survivors include his children, Willie Mooney and wife, Michelle, of Savannah, Mo., Billy Mooney and wife, Mary, of Amazonia, Mo., Lora Hettini of California, and Patricia Stanton and husband, Ron, of Amazonia, Mo.; brothers and sisters, Carl Mooney and wife, Eva, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., Tom Mooney and wife, Opal, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., Terry Mooney of El Dorado Springs, Mo., Ruth Ann Leonard and husband, Jim, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., "May" Elizabeth Zellmer of Kansas City, and Janice Sue Manning of El Dorado Springs, Mo.; grandchildren, Charles Austin, Billie Jean Mooney, Stephen Mooney, Jamie Mooney, Randon Stanton, William Stanton, Majeed Hettini, and Walleed Hettinie; stepgrandchildren, Tiffany and Gracie; great-granddaughter, Autumn Austin; and a large extended family that loved him so much.

Memorial services for Earnest Mooney will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with the Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com