Ernest Eugene “Ernie” Fought, of Warsaw, went home into the arms of Jesus at 11:56 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at his residence at the age of 83.
He was born on October 27, 1935, in Albion, to Winifred Irene Nelson Fought and Ernest Owen Fought. On June 5, 1976, he was married to Wilma Brandt Snyder Fought, who survives.
Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and served until his honorable discharge in 1958. He attended International Business College for two years and worked as an accountant and office manager for Farm Bureau Co-Op for 33 years.
Ernie kept active and worked at Walmart for 16 years. He moved to Warsaw in 1963 where he was a longtime member of Winona Lake Free Methodist Church and a member of the American Legion Post #49 in Warsaw.
Ernie was an avid Cubs fan, a Warsaw sports enthusiast, and enjoyed being a member of the men’s prayer breakfast at the church.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Wilma Fought, Warsaw; son, Phillip W. (Sara) Fought, Chevy Chase, Md.; two daughters: Teresa A. Kirby, Fort Wayne, and Melissa (Mike) Reichard, Fort Wayne; and his stepdaughter, Celestra Snyder, Wichita, Kan. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Cory, Tyler, Becca and Corey; sister, Erma Buckles, Columbia City; and two brothers, Bryon (Marilyn) Fought, Ligonier, and Harold (Sallie) Fought, Ligonier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters and his stepson.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
His funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25 at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Rick Hurley. There will be a calling an hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow with a 2 p.m. graveside service at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier, with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post and active duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard.
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Memorial donations in Ernie’s name may be directed to Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, 902 College Avenue, Winona Lake, IN 46590, and would be appreciated by the family.
