Ernst, Robert Ray, 81, entered eternal life Friday, May 20, 2011 with family at his bedside. He attended Manual High School before enlisting in the Navy. Mr. Ernst served in the Navy from 1947 until 1952. He was a Korean War veteran who served on the Minesweeper, USS Doyle (DMS-34) during the conflict. The Doyle was one of the first US vessels to reach the war zone. He earned 11 medals while serving in the Navy. Upon the completion of his Navy enlistment he enrolled at the University of Louisville and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelors of Science in Commerce degree. While attending college he was employed by Pillsbury Ballard and then went to work for General Electric as a planner and later as a buyer and worked there for 10 years. As a licensed Professional Engineer he was CEO and owned Robert R. Ernst & Associates, Inc. which was a manufacturing representative business for many years. After retiring from that business he bought Custom Cabinets on Strawberry Lane and was CEO until he took his second retirement.
Mr. Ernst spent many hours enjoying UofL basketball, football, golf and boating with family and friends.
He was a member of Southeast Christian Church, former member of the ABF Joy Class, as well as the Alive Class, Hurstbourne Country Club, and VFW Post #1170. He was also a past member of Moose Lodge #5, the downtown Kiwanis Club and the Sportsman’s Supper Club and was a past President.
He served on the board of the Monsignor Pitt Learning Center, having earned their prestigious Man of the Year in 1977. He served many years on the Day Spring Foundation Board, an organization very dear to his heart that provides residential services and care for mentally challenged adults. His daughter Kim resides there.
He was an original member of the VFW 1170 Honor Guard and was proud to serve as a vice-commander for many years until his health and vision forced him to resign. He also served on the ULA board during the 70’s and 80’s.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Jean; son, Drew (Holly); daughter, Kim; grandson, Matthew, Corporal USMC; sisters, Mildred Conway of Louisville, Marilyn Hartel (Frank) of Melbourne, FL. and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Jefferson Place and Dr. Jane Cornett for the loving care they provided Mr. Ernst during his stay there.
His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. with burial in Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.
Visitation will be from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. Monday at Highlands.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to Day Spring Foundation, 3430 Day Spring Court, Louisville, KY 40213.

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