MULLINVILLE - Earl J. Liggett, 88 years old, died August 1, 2020 in Saint David, Arizona. He was born on a farm west of Mullinville, Kansas to Wilber Earl and Edna Rose (Brensing) Liggett. He was the youngest of seven children. He often commented that he was born and would be buried on the same piece of land.

Earl served in the US Navy in 1951 through 1954 and was awarded the National Defense Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon (Two Stars), and United Nations Service Ribbon. He served on the USS ESSEX, YORKTOWN, and ANTIETAM.

On March 27, 1955 he married Mary Lou Hickman at Clayton, New Mexico. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2003.

He worked at California Production Services for 30+ years, as a foreman in the oil field industry, where he worked on the off-shore islands along the California coastline.

After retiring Earl and Mary Lou moved back to Greensburg, Kansas, where they became active supporters of the community. Earl was active in the VFW and served as a Kiowa County Commissioner for two terms, helping the community during the tornado of May 2007. He also drove a semi-truck.

In his later years he moved to Saint David, Arizona, and began landscaping, and planting trees and grass, creating a park-like atmosphere in the desert, just as he had on a barren piece of land in Greensburg, Kansas; as well building an additional room, porch, and other buildings on the property.

Earl will long be remembered for his wonderful storytelling abilities, his musical talents on the; banjo, guitar, fiddle, and his strong sense of honor.

Survivors include a son, Tim Liggett, Huntington Beach, California; a daughter, Renee Liggett, Wichita, Kansas; 4 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, David Earl and Mark Allan, 5 brothers, Dr. Byron Liggett, Dr. Marvin S. Liggett, Wilbur Liggett, S. Max Liggett, Myron T. Liggett, and one sister, Jean Schowengert.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 4, 2020 at Hillcrest Cemetery, Mullinville with Brad Zimmerman officiating. There will be full Military Rites by the Julius F. Troehmel American Legion Post 269 and United States Navy Honor Guard.

The family suggests memorials to Kiowa County Library in care of Minnis Mortuary 1901 N. 14 ^th Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801.