HOWARD A. ERNST

Howard A. Ernst, age 95, of Columbia City, IN passed away peacefully at his residence at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2011. Born on November 4, 1916 in Sorento, IL, he was the son of Donald and Grace (West) Ernst.

Raised in Columbia City, he attended Thorncreek School and graduated from Columbia City High School.On November 24, 1967 he married Mantie Louise Collier in Columbia City.For 20 years he worked at Weatherhead Company andowned and operated Ernst Restaurant andErnst Painting all of Columbia City.He attended Cornerstone Fellowship Church.

Survivors include his 3 children; David Howard (Cindy) Ernst and Judy (Guy) Kesling both of Columbia City and Susan Nickolson, Albion;3 step children, Gary (Kathy) Kilbourne,Pierceton,Patricia Smith and Delmar Anthony Elswick both of Columbia City ; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Norma Hawk, Columbia City and Joan Mabe, Columbus. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mantie Louise Ernst, 2 children, Jimmy and Gayle Ernst, sister,Wilma Stidham, 2 brothers, Floyd and Clyde Ernst and 2 grandsons, Richard Kesling and John Harvey Nickolson, Jr .

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 10-2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Graveside committal service at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City with Neal Noey officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Ernst to the donor's choice of charity.