Ernest G. Charay, Jr.

Ernest "Ernie" G. Charay, Jr., 86, of Topeka, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Midland Hospice House.

Ernie was born July 24, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Ernest and Julia (Silva) Charay. He served his country honorably as a Corporal in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

He worked for 49 years at Hills Pet Nutrition in Topeka and retired in August 1, 1993.

Ernie was married to Jennie Lopez on February 23, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Mr. Charay was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Ernie was a musician and played with Chito and the Latineers and later as Chito and his Trio. He performed with many musicians in the local community. He also was an avid gardener who loved his peppers and tomatoes of which he harvested and canned to enjoy throughout the year, the rest he made into "dragon sauce"!

Survivors include a wife, Jennie Charay; 3 sons, Ernest R. Charay, III, Alfred James Charay and Edward D. Charay; 2 daughters, Debra Charay and Michele L. (Dale) Stratton; 2 brothers, Robert (Adeline) Charay and David (Linda) Charay; 4 sisters, Rose Olivia Charay; Mary Helen Benefield; Margaret Martinez and Alice Flores; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest G. and Julia Charay and brothers Richard Charay, Danny Charay Sr., Antonio Charay, and Arthur Charay.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel in Topeka; a Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 20 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 201 NE Chandler in Topeka. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674.

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