Ernie Loy dies at age 67 (2/16/04)

Ernest L. Loy, a longtime Jay County auctioneer who donated his services each year for three major benefit auctions, died Sunday at his home. He was 67.

A familiar face on the auction circuit, Loy served as auctioneer for 18 years for the Arts Place holiday benefit auction, for more than 15 years for the Jayland Trotting Association’s benefit tack auction, and for more than 10 years for the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association’s benefit auction at the spring swap meet.

Born in Jay County on Sept. 9, 1936, he was the son of Herschel and Carrie (May) Loy.

He was married on July 3, 1955 to Martha Jean Smitley, who died Feb. 22, 1989.

Since 1955, he was the owner and operator of Ernest Loy Real Estate and Auctioneering in Portland.

A past member of the Jay School Board, he had also served on the Jay County Fair Board.

A resident of 1435 North 800 East, Portland, he was a member of Noble Christian Church, the Portland Evening Optimist Club and the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Portland.

He was also a member of Jay Lodge No. 87 F&AM, the Scottish Rite, Shrine, the Portland Elks Lodge and the Portland Moose Lodge.

He was an active member of the Jayland Trotting Association, the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, the Jay County Historical Society and Headwaters Heritage.

Surviving are two sons, Gary Loy and Doug Loy, both of Portland; a daughter, Mrs. Steve (Sherry) Feathers, Portland; two brothers, Calvin Loy and Donald Loy, both of Portland; a sister, Mrs. Hugh (Alice) Strohl, Portland; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, with Pastor Mike Harris officiating. Burial will be in Green Park Cemetery, Portland.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Jay County Cancer Society or The Portland Foundation.[[In-content Ad]]