Ernest Godfrey Mahl

Ernie Mahl, of Lodi, passed away on Jan. 23, 2016, in Mesa, Ariz. Ernie was born on July 22, 1927. His mother died in childbirth. His father was a musician and drowned in June 1927. He was adopted when he was 2 1/2 months old and moved to Stockton until 1937, when he went to live with his grandparents in Salt Springs, Calif. He enlisted in the Army in 1945 and spent 12 months in Seoul, Korea, as a detective. After attending U.O.P., he went to work for Pacific Telephone Company as a lineman climbing poles and digging holes. He was a plant engineer for 25 years. He retired with a total of 35 1/2 years with Ma Bell. In 1948, Ernie married his high school sweetheart, Bessie (deceased). They were married for 66 years. Ernie is survived by daughter Sharon Prescott, daughter and son-in-law Diana and Terry Adams, granddaughter Kelly Ward, grandsons David Adams, Jeffrey Adams, Joe Ward and Thomas Adams, and great-grandchildren Nathan and Lydia Adams. Ernie was a member of the Elks and S.I.R.S. Ernie was always a man of integrity and was an old-fashioned gentleman. He spent many years caring for the love of his life and all his many friends. He was an avid cribbage player, card player, bowler, golfer and Branson traveler. He enjoyed camping and waterskiing. He was always a tease and had the ability to make everyone smile. Ernie was a great man who will be missed by many. May his memory be eternal.