Ernest Charles ‘Ernie’ Edwards, 98, lifetime Aberdeen resident and former auto mechanic for Car Quest in Aberdeen, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam, Wash.
Ernie was born on Jan. 19, 1919, to Charlie and Anna (Kaakonen) Edwards in Aberdeen. He graduated from Weatherwax high School in 1937 and then went on to earn an Associate Degree in Arts at Grays Harbor College in 1939. He joined the U.S. Navy on April 18, 1941, and was stationed on board the minesweeper USS Kingfisher in the South Pacific. He was Honorably Discharged on Aug. 7, 1945.
He returned to Aberdeen and went to work at Bailey Automotive in 1949, which later became Car Quest. He retired in 1982.
On Aug. 6, 1976, Ernie married Marlene L. Bannister in Montesano. She resides at the family home. He had previously been married to Mary Kuprewics in 1948. They later divorced.
Ernie loved to play the Saxophone and Clarinet. He and Marlene worked together in their group known as The ‘Soft Touch’ playing at the local clubs and private parties from 1972 to 1997. In 1998, Ernie joined the “Dukes of Swing” until retiring in 2007. He also enjoyed fishing and duck hunting. He was a lifetime member of the Aberdeen Elks Lodge, Aberdeen VFW and had been a member of the Aberdeen Eagles.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marlene L. Edwards of Aberdeen; a son Charles (Linda) Edwards of Aberdeen; three step-sons: Karl (Tara) Bannister of Arcadia, Fla., Larry Bannister of Aberdeen and Mike (Amber) Bannister of Mesa, Ariz.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Ernie was preceded in death by daughters: Debbi and Cindi Edwards: step-daughters: Jeri Edwards, Judi Cooper and Marilyn (Doug) Purser; a step-son, Kenny Bannister and a sister Ethel (James) Tough.
Last, but not least, Ernie put his great sense of humor to use and kept everyone entertained whenever possible.
Per Ernie’s request, there will be no services.
A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.
