Ernest L. 'Ernie' Solko

Sept. 2, 1919--Oct. 30, 2005

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. -- Ernest Lawrence "Ernie" Solko, 86, died Sunday (Oct. 30, 2005) at the Christian Care Center of Cheatham County in Ashland City.

He was born Sept. 2, 1919, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Neuberger) Solko. He attended country school and St. Mary's School in Herndon.

He served in U.S. Army from Sept. 30, 1942, until Feb. 7, 1946.

He married Ann Mary Pochop on May 14, 1946, at the Sacred Heart Church in Atwood. She preceded him in death. He married Sarah Armstrong on May 12, 1977.

He worked for the Rawlins County Road Department until his retirement. He maintained many Rawlins County roads and was a heavy equipment operator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth; his wife, Ann Mary Solko; seven sisters, Clara, Matilda and Lidwina Solko, Agnes and Helen Lippold, Josephine Marintzer and Rosie Solko; and brothers, Herman, Al and Clarence Solko.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah of Ashland City; four sons, Wayne Solko and wife, Joyce of Garden City, Kan., Gary Solko and wife, Virginia of Ludell, David L. Solko of Fowler, Kan., and Randy Solko and wife, Diana of Ludell; three daughters, Delores and husband, Johnny Owens of Waldo, Ky., Connie and husband, Stan Walters of Joplin, Mo., and Theresa and husband, M.R. Wehrly of Olathe, Kan.; one brother, William Solko of Inman, Kan.; Sarah's children, Janie Vaden of Joelton, Tenn., Perry and Linda Freeman of Ashland City, Gary Wayne and Joy Freeman of Hendersonville, Tenn., Jean Beckham of Tennessee, Jerry and Dot Jackson of Lebanon, Tenn., and Faye and Doug Allan of Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church in Herndon with the Rev. Damian Richards officiating. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atwood.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Brantley Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of arrangements.