Ernest Garrett

Ernest D. "Ernie" Garrett. 70, was called home unexpectedly on December 23, 2011. He had been in St. Elizabeth East since December 14, being treated for pneumonia and complications.

He was born in Lafayette IN. January 4, 1941, the son of the late Ledmon E. and Pauline Norrod Garrett. Ernie graduated from Dayton, IN. High School and had lived in this area most of his life.

He was in the Army XVIII Airborne Corps, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Ernie worked several years for Sears Roebuck & Co., and after working for Sears, he sold automobiles. He then trained and became a union painter. While he was a painter, he began farming which was more than a job, it became a passion and love. He continued farming until he had to retire for health reasons.

Ernie enjoyed gardening, working in his yard, car racing and sports. But, most of all, he loved his family and his pet Shar Pei, Smokey. Ernie and Smokey were inseperable.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and a sister. Surviving is a sister, Mary Alice James (husband Robert) of Carmel, IN.; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. We look forward to family and friends joining us to remember Ernie and celebrate his life.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM on Friday at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette, Chaplain Sherry Mugg officiating, with interment to follow in Johnson Cemetery near Stockwell with military graveside rites.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity or the American Cancer Society. Share you memories and condolences at www.hahngoeberfuneralhome.com