Ernie Gierhart

Ernie Gierhart, 91, Portland, passed away Friday in the VA Hospital in Marion.

He was born in Portland on March 16, 1928, the son of William and Edna (Derrickson) Gierhart. He was married in 1957 to Mary Younger, and she died in 1978.

He later married Juanita Bakens, and she died in 2010.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He retired from Teledyne Portland Forge after 36 years. He also worked for Liggett TV, Sheller-Globe and Haynes Mill, all in Portland.

He was a volunteer firefighter for 50 years, member of Portland Nazarene Church, 50-year member of American Legion Post 211, and a member of VFW in Geneva and Eagles Lodge.

He graduated from Portland High School in 1948.

Surviving are one daughter, Rhonda Lambert (husband: Steve) of Portland; one brother, Richard Gierhart of Muncie; three sisters, Jean Bricker of South Carolina, Mona Fairfield of Portland and Doris Duke of Portland; four grandchildren, Melissa Garringer, Michele Brewster. Mandy Moore and Mindy Moore; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Gierhart; and a daughter, Sherry Moore.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Hundley presiding. Burial and military graveside rites will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bryant. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Humane Society.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.