Earnest "Ernie" Jarvis Colonel USMC Retired

RICHMOND, Ind. - Earnest 'Ernie' Jarvis Colonel USMC Retired, age 79, lost his battle with cancer on June 15, 2015, in his home surrounded by family. Ernie was born in Manchester, Kentucky, on November 24, 1935, to Maynard and Nannie Jarvis and moved to Richmond when he was five weeks old. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1954 where he played football and served as Class President his junior and senior years. Ernie then received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1958. He was the first string quarterback of the 1957 Miami Redskins football team, Mid-American Conference champs. Ernie married Patricia Backmeyer, of Richmond, on December 20, 1958. He earned a Masters of Management and Counseling in 1980 from Webster College in Ft. Bliss, Texas. Ernie was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and rose to the rank of Colonel, retiring in 1989. He served in Vietnam in 1969, where he participated in more than 25 operations. Ernie helped develop the current Marine Tactical Data System. He became the commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 28 in 1982. Ernie then served as commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 18 in 1983. His military awards include the Legion of Merit Medal for Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Ernie served as Vice President of Field Operations for Oberle and Associates from 1988 to 1991. Ernie was then Director of Department of Public Works for the city of Richmond from 1992 to 1996. Ernie was an active member of the Central United Methodist Church, where he attended worship and Sunday school. He attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for eight years and was on Emmaus Walk number 40. Ernie served on the Richmond Football Hall of Fame Board, the Richmond High School Alumni Board (President) and Forest Hills Country Club Board. Ernie loved to play golf, hunt and fish, but his proudest achievement and what gave him the greatest joy was his family. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. While we mourn our loss, we honor the important influence he had on each one of us. Those of us left to treasure his memories are his wife of 56 years, Pat Jarvis of Richmond; daughter, Sherri (Donnie) Becker of Richmond; sons, Mike (Sue) Jarvis of Fairview, Texas, and Steve (Selina) Jarvis of Harbinger, North Carolina; brother, Everett (Bobbie) Jarvis of Richmond; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chuck) Powell, Hunter Jarvis, Cody (Jessica) Becker, Tucker Jarvis, Reid Jarvis, Grant Jarvis and Connor Jarvis; great-grandchildren, Chloe Powell and Grayden Powell; and several nieces and nephews. We will remember Ernie for his quick smile, witty humor and love and concern for each member of his family. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday June 18, 2015, at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, with Rev. Charlie Black and Pastor Curtis Banker officiating and Chris Rogan providing the music. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Central United Methodist Church, c/o preschool scholarship fund, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, 815 North A Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Earnest "Ernie" Jarvis Colonel USMC Retired

November 24, 1935 - June 15, 2015