Ernest A. "Ernie" Hemmelgarn, 90, Versailles, passed away at 6:11 p.m. Jan. 14, 2014, at the Sterling House in Greenville.

He was born April 18, 1923, in Mercer County, to Ernest H. and Lena Pottcotter Hemmelgarn.

On Feb. 1, 1947, he married Helen M. Barga Hemmelgarn, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Mary Ann (John) F. Simon, Bradford, and Rita Marie (Gregg) Henschen, Findlay; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Gerald (Norma) Hemmelgarn, Versailles; two sisters, Betty Lou (Julius) Jutte, Fort Recovery, and Ruth (Robert) Bettinger, Apollo Beach, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Marceil Meyer, Jean Ann Hemmelgarn and Bernice Frilling.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was very proud that he served his country. He retired in 1984 from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, where he was assistant state supervisor with 35 years of service. He formerly worked at Poultry Producers and Weaver Brothers in Versailles. He was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles; Versailles Knights of Columbus, where he was Past Grand Knight; Versailles Veterans of Foreign Wars; and the Versailles Eagles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles, the Rev. Fr. Jim Simons officiating. Burial will follow in St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles, with full military honors conducted by the Versailles Veterans Honor Guard.

Calling is 2-5 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles. A prayer service will be conducted by the Versailles Knights of Columbus on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Masses.

Condolences may be expressed at www.zecharbailey.com.