Donald G. Ernst
October 26, 1939 ~ March 3, 2021
Donald George Ernst 81, passed March 3, 2021. He was born in St. Meinrad, Indiana, to the late Edwin and Marie Ernst.
Donald was a graduate of Bristow High School and Vincennes University. He was a proud veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Don was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church. He was employed by the National Guard for over 42 years as an Aircraft Mechanic and Helicopter Pilot. After retirement he enjoyed being the helicopter pilot for Channel 6 news, and a Lifeline pilot for IU Health. Family was very important to Donald especially his grandchildren. In his spare time Donald enjoyed fishing with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Sandy Ernst; son Steve (Amanda) Ernst; daughter Brenda Ernst (Bradd Stoops); grandchildren Sandro Guzman Thalia Guzman, Kallan Stoops, Dresden Ernst; Audriana Stoops; and Sloane Ernst; brothers, James and David Ernst. He was preceded in death by brother Tommy Ernst.
Visitation will be held Wednesday March 10, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 PM at O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. Indianapolis, In 46227. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday March 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Pleasant View, Indiana. O’Riley Funeral Home is serving the family. Visit www.ORiley FuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Brenda – Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lit a candle in memory of Donald G. Ernst
With loving memories of “Donald Ernst”,
Don was a long time guardsman friend of mine and many others who was a great maintenance leader, a man who lead by example. Don was low key, mind your own business type, but definitely one you wanted on your team. RIP Don, job well done.
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
Peace to a fallen patriot and his family.
Our deepest sympathies to the family. Don and Sandy were wonderful neighbors to our friends the Kimmels and we will always be grateful for their kindness. The Otte family
Deepest sympathy he was a great guy loved my many Always in joyed are vistes when you all came down love Deb Shelly Tracy and Mitch
I was so fortunate to have served and to fly with Don in the Guard. He was proud to serve his country, and was very professional at his job. He was a great friend and gifted pilot. God Bless