Gary Allen Ernest

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Gary Allen Ernest, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Copley, Ohio, passed away at the age of 85.

Gary, son of Walter and Fern Ernest, was born on August 22, 1935, in Lamar, Colo. He spent his early years in Leadville, Colo. and Stockton. After receiving his Business degree from Washburn University in 1958, he started a successful 35-year career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He traveled the world on various international leadership roles and ended his professional career at Kelly Springfield Tire Company as Vice-President of Human Resources.

On January 28, 1956, he married Claudine and together they raised two children. His work took the family from Topeka, to Amiens, France, Waldorf, Germany, Akron, Ohio and Cumberland, Md.

Gary was an extremely well-traveled individual who had a strong grasp on world politics and cultures. He and Claudine enjoyed traveling and always had an adventure planned throughout the years. They spent 23 of their retirement years in Scottsdale, Ariz. Gary enjoyed fishing, home remodeling projects and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Claudine of 65 years; a son Scott (Tammy) Ernest of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a daughter Kathy (Ed) McMahon of Hudson, Ohio. He leaves a legacy of five grandchildren, Jacque (Chris) Frericks, Brittany (Luke) Snyder, Bruce (Kristen) Ernest, Cara (Andrew) Platt, Connor McMahon; and seven great-grandchildren, Max, Gunner, Ryder, Olive, Eli, Lucy, and Lila.

Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Leon, and sister, Joyce.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 27, at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Private burial will be held at Markillie Cemetery in Hudson, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s name are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association: Greater East Ohio Chapter, 70 W. Streetsboro Street, Ste 201, Hudson, OH 44236.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow Fairlawn Chapel)