ROBERT ERNST Obituary

ERNST, ROBERT
Robert Ernst, 96, of Merritt Island and Gainesville, Florida died peacefully in his Merritt Island home on July 2, 2019. He was a veteran of World War II proudly serving in the Navy from 1942 to 1945.
Bob was born on September 12, 1922 in Ashland, OH to Mary Jane Knapp Ernst and Harry Ernst. In 1942, he joined the armed forces and served in Lake City, Florida as an aircraft mechanic specializing in Lockheed Ventura and Electra airplanes. The Electra was well known as it was the same one Amelia Earhart flew on her fateful 1937 journey. He was discharged in Ohio at the end of the war with full honors and received the WW2 Victory, Pacific Campaign and Navy Good Conduct medals. Bob was a graduate of University of Florida with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He taught at UF and in the Alachua County school system and made his trade as a painter.
He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Marion Burns Ernst; and three daughters, Mary Eileen Ernst, Grace Irene Ernst McDaniel, and Janet Ernst Campbell, all of Gainesville, Florida.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Barbara Jean Ernst Hendriksen, Merritt Island, FL; and five grandchildren, Karen Hendriksen Smith, Dianne Hendriksen, Christine Campbell Anderson, Mark Campbell, Stephen Campbell, Jennifer McDaniel Crocco, Katie McDaniel Gaskins; and several great grandchildren and family members in Florida and Ohio.
Devoted to service, Bob was an educator, member of the Presbyterian Church, Gainesville Hospice Attic volunteer and a member of the Brevard County VA. The highlight of his last year Bob was chosen to participate in the 'Space Coast Honor Flight.' This organization takes veterans to Washington, DC with full honors to visit the major Armed Forces memorials. He was proud to serve the United States and was a true patriot.
The cremation will take place befittingly the week of July 4, 2019. Friends and family are invited to attend the burial of the ashes next to his wife at Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL this September. The family is grateful for the condolences and wishes donations to be made in his memory to the Space Coast Honor Flight organization.

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ERNST

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9 Entries

Marylia Roque

July 3, 2020

Bob will always have a special place in our familys heart. He was special and always a gentleman. A man of great faith. RIP

Marylia Roque

December 10, 2019

It was an honor meeting Bob. It was a true blessing seeing his beautiful smile at the Hospice Attic store and how he shared his positive outlook at life in general. He was indeed a very special man and he will be deeply missed. RIP Marylia Roque (attic Volunteer)

November 27, 2019

I had the privilege of working with Bob at the Attic and what a joy he was to know. Such a gentle kind soft spoken gentleman. I would never have guessed his age. He surely is missed by us all.
Betty Burroughs

Dan and Mary Ann Williams

July 17, 2019

Oh my goodness, what memories! From the first batch of day lilies to informal chats to the wonderful letters containing articles of support as I began my work in ministry, the Ernst's arms encircled the Williams family like a comforter for well over 50 years. What a reunion he must be enjoying with Mrs Ernst, Janet, Ilene and Irene, plus other loved ones! The Clock restaurant will never be the same. It was our lifeline to the Ernst's after we had moved away from 70th Street. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Corinne Edwards

July 13, 2019

We lived across the street from Bob for 15 years up until his move to Merritt Island. His kindness, gentle presence, and authentic nature has been missed since his move and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. From the stories Bob told, I know he and his wife faced a good deal of loss throughout their lives. Despite this, Bob always spoke with gratitude and a love for life and his connections to others. He was so kind to our daughter, keeping an eye out for little treasures at Hospice attic that she may enjoy. We extend our condolences to his family and are so grateful to have had a chance to know dear Bob.

Ana Cooper

July 12, 2019

Mr. Ernst was my neighbor many years ago. He and his wife were always so kind and loving to my family and I. He was a man of wisdom and loved the Lord. He will truly be missed. May he rest in God's perfect peace!

Shannon Birnbaum

July 10, 2019

Mr. Ernst was a long time customer of ours at Davis Gas. He would often stop in our office and chat about different topics. Not matter which topic we talked about, Mr.Ernst always tied the Lord into our conversations. He was a deeply religious man and I admired him greatly for sharing his faith with us. One sweet gift he gave me shortly after I married my husband was a framed artwork that talked about the meaning of marriage. It's hanging on my wall and makes me think of Mr. Ernst often. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ernst's family.

July 10, 2019

Bob was my assistant usher at the 8:30 service at First Pres. in Gainesville. He was always willing to help out where needed. Bob was an aircraft mechanic in WW2, I was a aircraft mechanic in the Air Force in the 60's. We were able to share many stories and articles on aircraft. I was excited for Bob when he told me he was chosen for an Honor Flight. I am glad he was able to make that trip. He will be missed.

- Dick Rauber
Trustee
First Presbyterian Chuch
Gainesville

Lee Crane

July 9, 2019

It was my true pleasure to have known Mr Ernest since 2012. Always the gentleman. We had great talks over the years. I will miss him God speed my precious friend.

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