Eben D. Estle, 97, of Sabetha, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Eben was born on August 23, 1926, in Gordon, Kansas to Ozro and Daisy (Holden) Estle. He was one of nine children born to this union. When Eben was a young boy, the family moved to Dubois, Nebraska. It was here that Eben met Lola Jean Bowden. Eben and Lola Jean were married in 1944.

Eben joined the United States Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan at the end of World War II. When the war was over, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas until he was discharged in 1950. After his discharge in 1950, Eben moved his family to Sabetha, and he remained an active member of the United States Kansas Army Reserve for 20 years. Eben was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1986 as a First Lieutenant.

While living in Sabetha, Eben also worked at the Sabetha Post Office as a rural mail carrier for 25 years. He was also an active lifetime member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Eben was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Lola Jean, on December 6, 2015; his son, John Emery; and by his brothers and sisters.

Eben is survived by his four sons, James (Linda) Estle of Vermilion, Ohio, Ole (Harla) Estle of Sabetha, Mike (Terri) Estle of Independence, Missouri, and Joe (Melody) Estle of Sabetha; his 14 grandchildren; his 35 great-grandchildren; and his nine great-great-grandchildren; his numerous step and foster grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be held in the Sabetha Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Sabetha VFW Post #7285. Memorial contributions are designated to a fund yet to be established by the family and memorial cards may be sent to Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.