Joseph E. Ernst, age 65, of Defiance Road, St. Marys, passed away of natural causes Saturday afternoon, October 27, 2018, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

He was born November 14, 1952, in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Albert and Viola (Vehorn) Ernst. On September 4, 2004, in Celina, Joe married Barbara (Mowery) Ernst who preceded him in death on February 4, 2015.

Surviving are two children, David & Jenny Ernst of Fort Loramie, Jennifer & Tony Craft of St. Marys and five grandchildren: Taylor and Katelyn Ernst and Eliyah, Carl Joseph and Kaliyah Craft; three Siblings: Ann & James (dec.) Stidd, Chuck & Elaine Ernst and Treva & Dan Brandewie, all of Fort Loramie as well as in-laws, Claire & Sue Stettler and family of Celina.

Mr. Ernst was a 1970 graduate of Fort Loramie High School. He retired in 2017 from the Stolle Corporation/Ply Gem in Sidney where he had been employed 46 years. Joe was an avid fan of NASCAR, the Browns and Buckeye basketball. He also enjoyed the company of "Sassy the Cat".

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie with Fr. Barry Stechschulte presiding. Interment services will be 2:00 PM Friday at North Grove Cemetery in Celina.

Friends may call Tuesday 4:00 to 7:30 PM at Gehret Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Marys Fire Department or charity of choice.

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