3/16/1928-4/26/2019

Ernie Gierhart age 91, of Portland passed away Friday April 26, 2019 in the VA Hospital in Marion. He was born in Portland 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 US Army during WW II and the Korean Conflict. He retired from Teledyne Portland Forge after 36 years. He also worked for Ligget TV, Sheller-Globe and Haynes Mill all in Portland. He was a volunteer Fireman for 50 years, member of Portland Nazarene Church, 50 year member of American Legion Post #211, 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 and Nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son David Gierhart and a daughter Sherry Moore.

Funeral services will be Wednesday May 1, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the 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 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Jay County Humane Society.