Ernest D. Sailor

Wakarusa—Ernest Sailor, 93, of Wakarusa died on September 22, 2017 at Miller’s Merry Manor-Wakarusa, Indiana. He was born January 5, 1924 in Nappanee, Indiana to Charles and Blanche Sailor. He is survived by three sibling brothers, Leon, Flawn, and Dana. Ernest was the fourth child born of nine children.

Ernest was married to Maxine Schrock on May 14, 1950 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church—Fish Lake. She preceded him in death on September 16,2011.

Ernest was preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie Goodsene, Fay High, and by three brothers, Clyde, Virgil, and Richard. Earnest graduated from Elkhart High School in 1942.He had completed his Tool and Die Apprentice Program by the time he graduated from Elkhart High School. Ernest was a World War II Veteran serving two years in the U, S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. Ernest served aboard the LSM 167 and LSM 467.

Ernest was a highly skilled tool and die maker. One of his major accomplishments was the machining of the first “pull tab” die for manufacturing of Continental Can Company’s pull top lids. This challenge was accomplished by machining with a rotary cross slide table mounted on a Bridgeport Milling Machine. His workmanship was outstanding. He was employed by Star Machine Company, Walerko Tool and Engineering, Excel Corp, and Elkhart Machine and Tool. He was CEO of North Central Machine for fourteen years. He retired in 1986. Ernest was an individual that was quick to lend a helping hand to his family and to his friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. During his life his interests ran from riding motorcycles, square dancing, fishing, mushrooms hunting, golfing, and traveling die United States. One of his favorite projects was his Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Two hundred dozen of hard-boiled individually dipped colored eggs were hidden by volunteers over six to eight acres of open land. The highlight of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt was “Who found the Golden Egg?” Many “money eggs” were also found throughout the hunt. He held his Annual Easter Egg Hunt for thirty-five years. Ernest was a faithful member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church -Fish Lake. He loved attending and working in the Church. He departed this earth with a peaceful heart—— “When the Lord calls I am ready.”

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8pm Monday Sep. 25 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart and one hour prior to the 11 AM Tuesday funeral service, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN.

Pastor Dr. James Clifton of St. John’s Lutheran Church—Fish Lake will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Fish Lake or to the charity of donor’s preference.

The family expresses special thanks for the compassionate care extended to Ernest while at Wakarusa - Miller’s Merry Manor.

Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com