ERNEST A. HERMANNS

Ernest (Ernie) was born east of Prescott where the sun rises on April 26, 1937 to parents, Edward and Vida Hermanns. On May 10, 2017 at his home on the west side of Prescott where the sun sets, Ernie's spirit left us to be with others in the Heavenly Kingdom. His earthly journey spanned 80 years.

The family moved to California in 1949 where Ernie would graduate early from Chaffey high school in Ontario in January of 1955. Ernie married his first wife in 1956 and divorced in 1975.

Ernie was a great outdoorsman which began by hunting with his dad at the age of 11. In 1958 Ernie and his dad set up an Elk Camp in the Blue Mountains after moving back to Washington from California. The Elk Camp has continued through the years to this date with his sons and long time friend, Jack Roberson, along with many others who joined them in hunts and were fortunate enough to listen to the many hunting stories shared by Ernie throughout the decades. Ernie also enjoyed fishing, boating, snowmobiling, motorcycles, race cars, traveling, attending all types of sporting events, pot-lucks, playing cards and dancing. He loved playing music as often as possible with his mentor and life-long friend, Chuck Morgan, as well as with others. Louis L'Amour was his favorite novelist to read, and he enjoyed western movies as well, especially a movie with John Wayne. Also, he was a Boy Scout leader and a Little League coach.

Ernie worked at Boise Cascade from 1958-1964 before working at Inland Machine. In 1973 Ernie fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own business. Hermanns Welding and Machine opened for business in Prescott, WA where Ernie prospered as its Structural Engineer. If it was broke and could be fixed, Ernie could get the job done. His welding and fabrication knowledge has been carried on in many of his employees, students and those he inspired including his grandsons Zac and Brandon, and to his stepson Rick, who he considered his best welder. Ernie enjoyed teaching very much and taught welding from 1977-78 at the Washington State Penitentiary through the Walla Walla Community College program.

Ernie believed in God, putting his Faith in Jesus as his personal Savior. He believed in Family and Friends, and he believed in his work. He was a kind and gentle soul, a man of integrity, who gave much without expecting anything in return. He was always caring and thoughtful, and would help those in need. Ernie was a good man who was loved and respected by many people. He lived the life he wanted to live and will truly be missed.

On November 20, 1976 Ernie married the love of his life, Patricia Cooper, at the Prescott Christian Church where he later became a Christian in 1984. He was baptized in the river at Lyons Ferry. This 40 year marriage brought together many children. Ernie is survived by his wife, Patricia of Prescott; his children Debra Lynn (Allen) of New Orleans, LA; Charles Edward and Jeffery Ernest (Kim) of Kenai, AK; Donald Wayne (Debra) of Walla Walla, WA; and Jodi Marie, Tamila Sandberg (James) and Rusty Cooper of College Place, WA; Richard Cooper (Kim) and Rick Cooper of Prescott, WA; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a sister Kay Pettichord of Cheney, WA and younger sister Dee Merriman of Iowa. His parents, sister Charlotte Brown and grandson Trevett Sandberg all preceded him in death.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 3:00PM until7:00PM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, May 19, at the Prescott Community Church on Hwy.124 in Prescott, WA, with Pastor Mike Medley, officiating. Interment will follow at Ivy Cemetery in Prescott, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362