David L. Ernest, 71, died Aug. 19, 2017, at the Ocala Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida.  David was born Feb. 22, 1946, in Findlay to the late Delmer and Juanita (Gearing) Ernest. On Feb. 25, 1967 he married Nancy Cupples Ernest and she survives.

David graduated from Cory-Rawson High School and attended Ohio State University in Lima. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving in the Vietnam Conflict.  David owned and operated Advanced Air Design in Dunkirk for many years.  He had previously worked for Jack's Heating and Modern Heating. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post in Ada, former member of Riley Creek Baptist Church and currently a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Ada.

Survivors also include two sons, Matthew (Lisa) Ernest of Tampa, Florida, Scott (Taryn Ward) Ernest of Washington D.C.; three daughters, Nichole (Heath) Mikesell of Bluffton, Danielle Ernest of Dayton, Anita (Brian) Ward of Wilson, North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a brother, D. Eugene (Pat) Ernest of Findlay. 

David was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Jean O'Dell and a granddaughter, Reece Mikesell.

Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. 

Pastors Lon Taylor, Don Ayers and Gus Guthrie officiating. Burial will be in Clymer Cemetery near Mt. Cory where military rites will be conducted. 

Visitation will be Friday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.