Ernest Zander "BILL" Ledbetter

Ernest, was born in Missouri and Served in the US Army during WWII. For saving the life of a fellow soldier, even though he was wounded, he received the Purple Heart award. About 1950, the soldier walked into the general store of which Bill was the manager. The man had come to thank Bill for saving his life. They spent the day together and if contact was ever made again I did not hear of it.

Following the war, Bill was to try a variety of employment before settling back on the farm. One was the manager of "Ward's General Store" at Clarkton, MO. From Clarkton, MO. he moved to Tucson, AZ. for a couple of years and worked for Sunset Dairy. But, being a farmer and deep roots in Missouri, this is where he was to return and live out the remainder of his life.

He lived in Butler County, MO., and was a farmer for most of his lifetime. His wife Ruby, was a homemaker. Although, she did help in the store during the time he was managing it. They had no children, but always seemed to have a house full of nieces and nephews. Some, like myself, lived with them for a year or more at a time. Our lives are much richer for having had these two very special people in them.

Bill, touched a lot of lives in and around Qulin. He has been remembered to me by residents of all ages who had contact with him. I do not believe Ernest "Bill" Ledbetter, ever made an enemy of any person at any time. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.