Ernie Richardson Meriwether Sr.

Ernie Richardson Meriwether, Sr., age 91, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on January 9, 2026.

He was born June 12,1934, in Clarksville, Tennessee. Ernie was the son of Colie and Ellen Meriwether. He relocated to Fort Wayne in 1962 from Evansville, Indiana, and made the city his lifelong home.

Ernie began his lifelong love for detailing cars at Seat Covers Charlie. He later opened his own car detailing business. A dedicated entrepreneur, Ernie owned and operated “Unique Clean Up” an automotive detailing business he proudly ran for many years. He later worked for O’Daniel Oldsmobile until his retirement. Known for his strong work ethics and kind heart, Ernie was a man who valued family, community, and the simple joys of life.

In his leisure time, Ernie found great satisfaction in caring for his yard - always striving to have the best lawn on the block. He enjoyed watching westerns, nurturing plants and flowers, decorating his home with Christmas lights, wanting to host EVERY family reunion (which we told him no). He loved sitting outdoors in the summer listening to blues and jazz, and watching the people walk by. His commitment to creating a warm, welcoming home were hallmarks of his life.

Ernie is survived by his children: Tyroy (Lisa) Meriwether, Michael Meriwether, Marvella Raines, Allen Meriwether, Alisha Weemes, Monica Reese, Adam (Jamie) Jackson, Aaron (Tomara) Jackson, Antonio (Melissa) Meriwether, Paige (Anthony) Rossi, and Torrie (Johnathon) Dever, and daughter-in-law, Viveca Meriwether. He also leaves behind a cherished legacy of 24 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Rebecca Morris, Larry Schmidt and Jay Woodward.

He was preceded in death by two children, Jowanna Brown and Ernie Richardson Meriwether, Jr.; his great-grandchild, Diquan Quishawn Meriwether; his former wives, Elsie Meriwether, Beatrice Harris, and Gail Meriwether; his parents, Colie and Ellen Meriwether; and his siblings, Molly, Otis, Doroma, Colie, Percy, Ellen, Elsie, and Jerrol.

Ernie’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family will continue to live on in all who knew him.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St John Missionary Baptist Church, 2421 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46803,

The funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 11:00 am.

He will be laid to rest in Lindenwood Cemetery.