Ernest was a private, First Co., Third Battalion, 164 D.B. in World War I. He belonged to the American Legion. They lived on their farm south of Osage City since 1929 when they were married. Ethel said, "We have just lived a plain old fashioned life." They attended the Methodist church.
From Ronny Bodine:
On 5 June 1918, Joseph Bodine registered for the World War 1 draft in Osage County, Kansas. He reported he was born 2 March 1897 in Burlingame, Kansas and worked for his father, G. E. Bodine in Burlingame. In 1930, Joseph and Ethel Bodine lived in Superior Township, Osage County engaged in farming. Ernest and Ethel Bodine were buried in Osage City Cemetery, Osage County.