Ernest Joseph Meyer, age 79, of (Newport) Ft. Loramie, Ohio, passed away of natural causes at his residence Saturday evening, March 4, 2017.

He was born September 19, 1937, in Cranberry Prairie, Ohio, to the late Albert and Josephine (Bergman) Meyer. On August 6, 1960, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Philothea, Ernest married Betty (Braun) Meyer who survives.

Also surviving are three children and their spouses: Diana & Eric Hirschfeld of New Bremen, David & Shelly Meyer of Russia, and Gregg & Mandi Meyer of Minster; six grandchildren: Scott (Lisa) Schmiesing, Dana (Jordan) Settlage, Leslie Schmiesing, Tyler (Stephanie) Meyer, Josh Meyer, Kayla Meyer and two step grandchildren, Blake and Erica Hirschfeld; two great-grandchildren, Micah Settlage and Isla Schmiesing; two siblings, Carolyn (Norman) Winner of Wentzville, MO and Evelyn (Vernon) Bergman of Yorkshire; sisters & brothers-in-law: Rosie Meyer of Celina, Dorothy Sudhoff of St. Anthony, Rosemary & George Bruns of Chickasaw, Richard & Janet Braun of St. Henry, Ruth & Leon Brunswick of St. Henry, Marlene & Romie Fullenkamp of Bryant, IN, Kathy & Richard Highley of Celina, Karen & Paul Boeke of Cassella along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Carl Meyer, a sister Alma Enneking and brothers-in-law, Joe Enneking and Herman Sudhoff.

Mr. Meyer served in the US Army during peacetime following the Korean War. He retired in 2000 from Copeland Corp. in Sidney where he had been employed 42 years. He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Copeland Retiree's Union.

Since retiring Ernie did a lot of woodworking in his leisure time. He enjoyed building things for his family and often insisted that "anything worth doing was worth doing right." A gifted story-teller that never knew a stranger, Ernie especially enjoyed interacting with his grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Newport with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Friends may call Tuesday 2:00 to 8:00 PM and Wednesday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad or charity of choice.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.