Ernie Lee Whipple, age 73 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Axion Gardens in Flora.
Ernie was born on July 16, 1952, in Braidwood, IL, the son of Vallie and Vera (Madison) Whipple.
He is survived by his children, Melissa Devor and husband Shawn of Salem, Tammy Engler of Salem, Tanya Gray and husband Kevin of KY, and Carl “Robbie” Whipple and wife Amber of Ashkum; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Norman Whipple of AR, Perry Whipple of TX, Charlotte Whipple of Salem, Nora Whipple of TX and Velvet Whipple of TX; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ernie Dale Whipple; siblings, Vallie “Mutt”, Carl, Joe, Bruce, Francis, Albert, Molly Ann, and Capp.
Ernie was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed walking and never had an unkind thing to say about anyone.
A Funeral Service for Ernie Lee Whipple will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Brian Mixon officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Keens Chapel Cemetery in Clay County. Memorial contributions can be made to the family and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
