Earl T. Story, 96, of Nebraska City, died April 15, 2008 at the Morton House. He was born on June 20, 1911 on the family farm west of Rossville, Kan., the son of Thomas Daniel and Laura Elizabeth (Hovey) Story. He married Viola Mae Johnson on June 2, 1936 in Clarinda, Iowa.

He was baptized on April 28, 1926 in Auburn. He graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1930 then worked at Safeway Grocery Stores from 1932-1947. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from Sept. 1, 1943 to Dec. 10, 1945.

He and his wife settled in Nebraska City where they owned and operated West End Grocery “The Little Pink Store” from 1955 until 1973 when he retired.

He told stories and enjoyed telling about “his” kids coming into the store to buy penny candy. He often said that he raised two generations of kids at the store. He enjoyed golfing until he was 93. He was a member of Western Star Lodge #2, the Eagles Aerie #968 in Nebraska City, the Elks, the American Legion Post #8 and U.C.T.

He is survived by nieces and nephews Don Fiel, Una Mae, Janice Fiel, John Fiel, and Beverly Gola, all of California, Barbara Duncan and husband Charles of Lincoln, Zoe Thummel and husband Bill of

Nebraska City, Shelly Jackson and husband Kenny of Omaha, Debra Concannon and husband Terry of Shawnee, Kan., Sharon Reddy and husband Paul

of Las Cruces, N.M. and Billie Sandahl of Nebraska City; five great-nieces and nephews, Patricia Ann Reinhardt and husband Mark, Penny Asher and

husband Keith, Billy Duncan and wife Desiree, Matt Thummel and MayreneThummel; 10 great-great-nieces and nephews; special friends Richard Borrego, Larry DeFreece and Roger Pieper; and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vi; brother Dick Story and wife Audrey; and sisters Rosa Hess and husband Wally and Leona Fiel and husband Jack.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City with Rev. Jerry Albright officiating. Burial will follow at the Wyuka Cemetery with full military honors being

presented by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.

There will be open visitation after 3 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church.

Gude Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.