Ernest Fugiett

Ernest “Ernie” Floyd Fugiett, 89, of Redkey, Indiana, joined his Lord and Savior in glory peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024, while in the company of family members at his daughter’s residence.

Ernie was born in Woodbury, Tennessee, on March 2, 1935, a son of the late Cecil and Velma (Smith) Fugiett. He was a 1953 graduate of Redkey High School and went on to further his education in electronics.

Ernie was the loving husband of Edna Louise (Eads) Fugiett whom he happily married on Nov. 26, 1953, and raised their family. Ernie worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a signalman and later worked hard owning and managing a farm with livestock. Ernie and Louise owned and operated several businesses together including “Louise’s Cafe,” “Ernie’s Appliance Mart” and “Teal Laundry Mat” in Redkey, Indiana.

Ernie was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a Scottish Rite member and loved working. He also enjoyed having breakfast with local farmers and being on Fugiett Farms, which over the years consisted of over 21 tractors, cattle, horses and pigs. In his younger days, Ernie was a young entrepreneur in farming.

He spent four years as class president in high school. He participated in 4-H, band, basketball, baseball and track, and he was a part of the 1953 championship basketball team for Redkey High School. Ernie was a man who took pride in all of life’s accomplishments. 

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Edna Louise Fugiett; two sons, Rodney Fugiett (wife: LuAnn) and Brent Fugiett; one daughter, Robin Cotherman (husband: Craig); one sister, Joy Martin; seven grandchildren, Brooks Fugiett (wife: Cassie), Adam Fugiett (wife: Cathy), Jennifer Yoder (husband: Cory), Taylor Fugiett, Seth Fugiett (wife: Jess), Amber Hackworth (husband: Dakotah) and Jeremiah Cotherman (wife: Destiny); 14 great-grandchildren, Carter, Paisley, Daniel, Sophia, Luke, Kaden, Kambry, Carter, Ryder, Charlie, Waylon, Axl, Ava and Cora.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Velma Fugiett; two brothers, Elmer Fugiett and Albert Fuston Fugiett; and two sisters, Eva Welch and Lucille Tarter. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. as well as on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Redkey Faith Ministries. Masonic services will be held on Friday at 12:45 p.m. at Redkey Faith Ministries. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Craig Cotherman officiating. Interment will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery in Redkey, Indiana. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel.