Obituary of Ernest McFarland
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Ernest Anthony McFarland was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 16, 1937. He was the son of the late Ernest W. and Mary T. (McGrath) McFarland. Ernie's love of country led him to leave high school early to join the United States Air Force later earning his GED. He served honorably during the Korean War as a member of the 354th Fighter Squadron.
Ernie married the love of his life Nancy Austin in Marysville, Tennessee on March 31, 1956. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician for forty years. He was employed by Globe Industries, Trout Sound, Doehler Jarvis, and Lutheran Housing among others retiring in 2008.
Ernie had attended St. Francis Parish. He was a UAW member. Ernie enjoyed frequenting flea markets and received the nickname "McPicker". He was also a pro on the pool table earning the nickname "Fast Ernie". Ernie loved music and was an avid sports and NASCAR fan.
Ernie age 74 passed away at 9:25pm, Friday, November 4, 2011 at his Toledo home under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a son: Norbert McFarland; and three sisters: Patricia McFarland, Mary Gallo, and Jean Dicarlo.
To cherish his memory Ernie leaves a loving wife of 55 years: Nancy of Toledo; nine children: Patricia (Harry) Gastley of Bryant Store, KY, Ernestine Cluckey and spouse Jack of Woodville, OH, Mary Bagheri of Toledo, Ernest (Diana) McFarland Jr. of Toledo, Jean (Kenneth) Lee of Woodville, Joe (Dora) McFarland of Toledo, David (Laurie) McFarland of Northwood, Elizabeth (Carlos) Revilla of Toledo, and Donald McFarland of Toledo; twenty-seven grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 3:30-7:00pm, Monday, November 7, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie (734) 848-5185. Military honors will be presented at 7:00pm under the auspices of Erie VFW Post 3925. Funeral Services will follow with Father Stanford of Sacred Heart officiating, and special music provided by Frank Stasa on the bagpipes. A graveside service will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Rutledge, Tennessee.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send flowers by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.