Earnest "Pops" Nunley

Nunley, Earnest L. "Pops" Otsego, MI Ernie passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born January 6, 1918 in Stephens County, Oklahoma the son of John and Mary (Patton) Nunley. Ernie served his country in the United States Army Air Force during WWII in England, France and Germany. After the war Ernie worked in Oklahoma, the Dakotas and Oregon. In the middle of December 1947 he came to Otsego to visit an Army buddy and decided to stay. Shortly after, Ernie met Thelma Burr and they were married December 18, 1948 in Watson Township. They spent over 50 years together until her passing in 1999. Ernie had worked at Valley Metal in Plainwell as a foreman and for Hammond Machinery until his retirement in 1983. He was very skilled and could fix or make anything. In 1991 he was asked to come and work at the Gilmore Car Museum, where he volunteered for 15 years. Surviving are his step-children, Bill Jr. (Barbara) Burr of Plainwell and Sandy Burr of Otsego, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sisters-in-law, Norma Shipley, Mary Ayers and Margaret Guider. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Thelma and his siblings. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with Ernie's family from 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. Burial of ashes will take place at Hicks Cemetery in Watson Township at a later date. Military Honors by Otsego VFW Post #3030. Contributions in memory of Ernie may be made to Talons Out Honor Flight of Michigan or Otsego VFW Post #3030. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.