The Rev. Ernest Lonnie Plunkett, age 81 of Verbena, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 20, 2012, at his residence.

He was born in Fort Payne on March 30, 1930, the son of the late Horace Plunkett and the late Gladys Jones Plunkett.

Rev. Plunkett pastored churches in Kansas, Missouri and all over Alabama before moving to Chilton County in 1983. In Chilton County, he pastored Jemison Church of God, Oak Grove Church of God and University Highway Church of God. He then went on to organize and pastor Shepherds Fold Church of God. He also honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict.

He is survived by: wife, Bobbie Nell Plunkett of Verbena; daughter, Gena Lonnieta Jones of Chelsea; son, Darrell Glenn Plunkett of Phenix City; son, James Edward Plunkett of Phenix City; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, Jim Barkley of Ft. Payne.

He is preceded in death by his parents along with a sister, Thelva Dee Plunkett.

Visitation was held from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Ellison-Mims Funeral Home in Clanton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from the Clanton Church of God with the Rev. Billy Boatwright, Sis. Janice Hollis, the Rev. Stanley Owensby, the Rev. Alan Hughes and the Rev. W.L. Adams officiating. The body will also be in state one hour prior to the services at the church.

Burial will follow at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison-Mims Funeral Home of Clanton (www.ellisonmimsfuneralhome.com).