Ralph “Ernie” Breeding, 76, passed away February 1, 2022, in Hutchinson. He was born in Klamath Falls, OR, to Ralph and Edith Breeding. Ernie married Jo Tope on March 9, 1992, in Perryton, TX. After graduating from high school in Hugoton, KS, Ernie moved to Washington, D.C., where he lived with his grandparents, Congressman J. Floyd and Sevilla Breeding. While there, he attended Pennsylvania Military College and Georgetown University.
Ernie moved back to Kansas to attend Fort Hays State University and St. Mary of the Plains, where he graduated. Following graduation, he owned a boot store in Gunnison, CO. Ernie also received his private pilot’s license, and started guiding hunting and fishing trips. He later moved to Dodge City, to take care of his grandmother, Sevilla.
In Oklahoma, Ernie obtained his commercial pilot’s license, and began doing aerial photography. In the Dodge City area, he was a real estate agent. Among all Ernie’s accomplishments, he was also a member of the Santa Fe Trail Association, Quails Unlimited, Millbrook Wranglers (Single Action Shooters Association in Hill City), and Cowboy Action Shooters. His many hobbies included hunting and fly fishing.
Ernie is survived by: his wife, Jo; his mother, Edith; sister Susan; the Derstein family, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Congressman J. Floyd and Sevilla Breeding; father, Ralph Breeding; brother, Wayne Breeding; and sister, Jana (Breeding) Ricker.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Arlington United Methodist Church, Arlington, KS. Burial will follow in Sego Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to Pat Thayer’s home to share memories of Ernie. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.
Memorials are suggested to the Millbrook Wranglers, Ford County Humane Society, or donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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