John Estle

J ohn Emery Estle, 57, of Sabetha, Kansas, died Friday, Sept 6, 2013 in El Paso, Texas.

He was born in Sabetha on May 3, 1956, the son of Eben and Jean (Bowden) Estle. He grew up in Kansas and graduated from Sabetha High School in 1974.

At the age of 20, he joined the United States Army, serving more than 20 years earning many awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Non-Commissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, and Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar.

John pursued higher education, earning his Associate in Science in 1999 and his Bachelor's Degree of Computer Science in 2002.

John enjoyed spending time on the family farm and with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his two children, Kari (Estle) Kovarik and husband Ryan of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Gregory Estle-Scarle and husband Kenny Estle-Scarle of Altus, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jessica Burnett, Addison Kovarik, Kinsley Kovarik, Michael Scarle, Samuel Scarle and Gage Scarle; siblings, Jim Estle and wife Linda, Ole Estle and wife Harla, Mike Estle and wife Terri, Joe Estle and wife Melody, and Virgina Costas of Brazil.

Memorial service will be Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Baptist Church.  Visitation will be Tuesday, September 17, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha.  Memorials contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or the Sabetha Food Bank, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, KS 66534.