Ernest W. Avery, 89, of Michigantown, IN, died at 7:05 a.m. January 9, 2010 at Wesley Manor. Born September 7, 1920 in Michigantown, IN to Fay & Lucy (Paris) Avery. He married Rosemary Mundy on December 26, 1942 and she died on November 17, 2003. He then married Dorothy ‘Dot’ Grundlock on March 18, 2006 and she died on June 23, 2008.
Mr. Avery graduated from Michigantown High School in 1938, Purdue University Business Short Course in 1939, Machine Tool Vocational Training in 1941 and Aircraft Engine Mechanic School in 1942. He worked at Allison Division of General Motors in Indianapolis before entering the Marines. A veteran of the United States Air Marine Corps, he served from 9-9-1942 to 11-27-1945 in the South Pacific during WWII supporting V.M.F. 214th and 215th, Corsair & P-51 Fighter Squadrons. He attained the rank of Sergeant and provided primary ground crew support the 215th, P-51 Corsair Fighting Squadron. In addition, he helped support the famous 214th Corsair Fighting Squadron (Major Greg “Pappy” Boyington’s Black Sheep Squadron). In total, Sergeant Avery’s ground crew supported Corsair pilots that shot down 356 Japanese “Zero” aircraft. He farmed his family farm for 50 years while also working at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo, IN, retiring in 1982 after 17 years. He raised Poland China swine, Aberdeen Angus cattle and blue ribbon Oxford quality sheep.
He was a charter member of the Clinton Central High School Music Patrons, Michigantown and Frankfort Library communities and was a life member of the Clinton County Historical Society, where Ernest and Rosemary were very active and instrumental in seeing it come to fruition and also in helping it attain its wares and displays. He was also a member of United Auto Workers of America Local 685, Royal Order of the Scottish Rite, Marine Corps League, Future Farmers Association. A member of the Michigantown Christian Church, the Avery family helped provide a proper parking lot for the church. The Avery family also provided the property where the new Michigantown Library stands.
Ernest and Rosemary met on an ice rink in Indianapolis while she was employed at L. S. Ayres there. She had been named 1st runner up to Miss Indianapolis. They continued their love of ice skating and travel throughout their lives---while their children and grandchildren were stationed in various posts throughout Europe and the US. He and Rosemary enjoyed dressing up and playing the parts of George and Martha Washington, visiting local schools and riding in parades. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandchildren on the farm.
Visitation and Services
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Wesley Manor Chapel. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at Wesley Manor Chapel. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery, Michigantown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michigantown Christian Church, Michigantown Library, Wesley Manor or Paw Pals of Clinton County, envelopes will be available.
Survived by:
Son: Stephen L. (Mary Ann) Avery of Indianapolis, IN
Daughter: Patricia A. (Pete) Flynn of Gallatin, TN
Brother: Samuel “Barney” (Betty) Avery of Frankfort
Sister: Esta Avery Cox of Frankfort
6 Grandchildren: Peter James Flynn III, Aaron S. Avery, Andrea Flynn (Geoff) Jensen, Lindsey Avery (Chris) Nelson, Andrew “Drew” Avery and Wm. Skyler Avery
4 Great Grandchildren: Austin Avery, Jack Greyson Jensen, Wyatt Flynn Jensen and Clifford Nelson
Preceded by:
He was preceded in death by one sister, Julia Avery Farley.
Ernie was an awesome man and he will be sadly missed in the Cole family’s lives. He had a special bond with our son, Bart and had just been in to my office this past week to give me some pictures that he’d taken of the Frankfort Veteran’s Day program this fall. I mailed these pictures off to Bart where he is currently stationed with a special detachment of the U.S. Marines 3/24 in Afghanistan training the Afghan army and police.
Heaven gained a special angel this week-end and Frankfort lost a wonderful man! Our condolences to your family.
Jeff, Debbi and Bart Cole
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTo the entire Avery Family, May God Bless each of you and send the Holy Spirit to give you peace and comfort.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSteve,
Sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like he had a full and happy life. I hope everything is well with you and your family. We sure had some great times at Goodwin’s.
Sincerely,
Jeff Eberle
Olympia, WA
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Facebook Twitter GoogleAvery family,
Ernie was one of a kind. During my tenure he became a respected and cherished friend. Following my retirement, we continued to visit during lunch at the Manor. Ernie was such a compassionate, caring, and loving gentleman who loved to brighten the lives of others, especially with a gift of flowers. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I shall truly miss him and being the recipient of his humor, but more importantly, his friendship.
May God bless you all with His peace, grace, and love.
Mike Druley
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSteve, his siblings and family,
Your father exemplified the meaning of a true patriot, and community activist. I know you will miss him, but the fond memories he leaves are priceless. He lived a full life, live yours with the same gusto as he did.
God rest his soul,
The Lierleys
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Steve and Mary Ann
May God bless you and your family during this very difficult time and always.
Kathy and Paul Rancatore
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Sirs and Ladies
Please allow me to express my attempts to understand your loss of such a great person. I do know that he is in a much better place than this. Thanks.
Ed
Ernie, as I knew him, was always a great friend and inspiration to me as I grew up. In the auto environment at Chrysler Kokomo Transmission, we were workers in the A904 assembly department for about 2 1/2 years. I became very interested in his life experiences as a boy and into his times with WWII. I looked forward everyday, with talking about those times. Many times we talked about his work on the beautiful F-4 Corsairs and the many people he worked among, in order to keep those aircraft in tip-top condition for his pilot friends. Many years ago, I hand built him a copy of one of his babies, a 1/32 scale corsair. It was great fun to present him with the model at his house in Michigantown. I can still remember standing on the porch of that beautiful home talking to him that day. His inspiration helped me in so many ways in becoming the man I am today. He helped me greatly in establishing a sound base of ethics that has changed my life for so much more. I believe that if I hadn’t grown to become to become his friend. Thank you all for sharing him with this kid so long ago. I’ll always remember him and his honesty, strength and peace of mind that came from his spirit and sole. Thank you so much,
Harry E. Cotterman II
Kokomo, Indiana
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