Graveside services for longtime Mancos resident Earl Franklin Hipsher will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Cortez Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post No. 75.
Visitation has been scheduled for Friday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Earl was born Jan. 30, 1926, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Earl Franklin and Frances (Graham) Hipsher. He passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, at Valley Inn at the age of 87.
Earl served as a Marine during World War II and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He took part in the surrender of the Japanese in Tsingtao, China, in October 1945. He had a love of music and pictures, but riding his Harley-Davidson brought him the most enjoyment.
Surviving Earl are his best friend, David Espinoza and wife, Theresa of Mancos; their daughter, Veronica Espinoza; niece, Linda Range and husband, Mason of Dolores; and nephews, Mike Willig and wife, Sharon of Bartlesville, Okla., Lance Willig and wife, Robin of Bartlesville, Okla., and Bob Harbison and wife, Kim of Slidell, La. Preceding Earl in death were his parents, Earl and Frances Hipsher; and his sisters, Phyllis Willig and Louise Goodwin.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.