October
24,
1930
24,
1930
May
21,
2024
21,
2024
Ernest (Ernie) J. Gushard, 93, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Wesbury United Methodist Community.
Ernie was born in Meadville, on October 24, 1930, a son of the late Kenneth and Joanna (Dutch) Gushard, Sr.
On October 25, 1952, Ernie married Elizabeth A. Lobins; she preceded him in death on February 17, 1992 .
He was of the Presbyterian faith.
Shortly after his 1948 graduation from Meadville High School, Ernie entered the US Navy and served his country honorably until his discharge on May 4, 1950. In 1955 he began his 37 year career as a trainman and freight conductor with Erie Railroad, later known as Erie Lackawanna, and retired from Conrail in 1992. He was a member and local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and its successor, United Transportation Union. Ernie enjoyed being active and in his younger years enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing baseball, basketball, and softball. In the 1960s he took up golf and was on the greens for nearly 50 years, golfing well into his mid 80s. In addition to golfing at Oakland Beach and other local courses, he often took out of state golf trips with family, friends and coworkers. He was proud to shoot a hole in one. Over the years he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Elizabeth, and in later years with his dear friend, Esther Deissler. He enjoyed wintering in New Bern, NC. An avid Cleveland sports fan, Ernie enjoyed following the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians/Guardians. He was a life-member of Meadville Elks Lodge 219; a social member of Veterans of Foreign Wars 2006; and a former member of Eagles Aerie 429 of Meadville. He was a member of the former Keystone Hose Co. Volunteer Fire Department of Meadville and the former Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department. Ernie will be missed by all who knew him.
Ernest is survived by two sons Gary Gushard (Deborah) of Allison Park, Keith Gushard (Marilyn) of Meadville; four grandchildren Gregory Gushard, Scott Antoun (Kathy), Nicole Antoun, Christopher Antoun (Rachel); five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kimberly Antoun, Clara Jackson, Rose and James Antoun.
In addition to his parents and wife, Elizabeth of 39 years, Ernest was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth L. Gushard, Jr.
Private services will be held at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, with Dr. Daniel Corll of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will take place.
Ernest will be laid to rest with his wife, Elizabeth, in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Meadville Public Library, 848 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335.
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com
Ernie was born in Meadville, on October 24, 1930, a son of the late Kenneth and Joanna (Dutch) Gushard, Sr.
On October 25, 1952, Ernie married Elizabeth A. Lobins; she preceded him in death on February 17, 1992 .
He was of the Presbyterian faith.
Shortly after his 1948 graduation from Meadville High School, Ernie entered the US Navy and served his country honorably until his discharge on May 4, 1950. In 1955 he began his 37 year career as a trainman and freight conductor with Erie Railroad, later known as Erie Lackawanna, and retired from Conrail in 1992. He was a member and local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and its successor, United Transportation Union. Ernie enjoyed being active and in his younger years enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing baseball, basketball, and softball. In the 1960s he took up golf and was on the greens for nearly 50 years, golfing well into his mid 80s. In addition to golfing at Oakland Beach and other local courses, he often took out of state golf trips with family, friends and coworkers. He was proud to shoot a hole in one. Over the years he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Elizabeth, and in later years with his dear friend, Esther Deissler. He enjoyed wintering in New Bern, NC. An avid Cleveland sports fan, Ernie enjoyed following the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians/Guardians. He was a life-member of Meadville Elks Lodge 219; a social member of Veterans of Foreign Wars 2006; and a former member of Eagles Aerie 429 of Meadville. He was a member of the former Keystone Hose Co. Volunteer Fire Department of Meadville and the former Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department. Ernie will be missed by all who knew him.
Ernest is survived by two sons Gary Gushard (Deborah) of Allison Park, Keith Gushard (Marilyn) of Meadville; four grandchildren Gregory Gushard, Scott Antoun (Kathy), Nicole Antoun, Christopher Antoun (Rachel); five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kimberly Antoun, Clara Jackson, Rose and James Antoun.
In addition to his parents and wife, Elizabeth of 39 years, Ernest was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth L. Gushard, Jr.
Private services will be held at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, with Dr. Daniel Corll of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will take place.
Ernest will be laid to rest with his wife, Elizabeth, in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Meadville Public Library, 848 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335.
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com
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