Ernest McGinty

Ernest "Ernie" C. McGinty, 87, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, of Mansfield, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, at Primrose Retirement Community surrounded by his family, his Primrose family, and his Hospice of North Central Ohio family by his side. Ernie, as he was most affectionately called, was born August 31, 1923, to the late Robert Adam and Evelyn Viola Soules Soles McGinty in Mansfield, Ohio. He was one of seven children. The McGinty family were pioneers of the area and have been in the Mansfield area before 1850 with the eighth generation still residing in this area. Ernie graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and then he enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 serving during World War II in India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Burma and South Africa. Ernie served two tours of duty. He served in the United States Air Force and was a part of a select few men serving as a Flying Tiger. During Ernie's military career, he worked as a rifle marksman and a telephone and telegraph lineman. A distinguished veteran, he received the Good Conduct Medal, two Bronze Stars for his perseverance in the Asiatic and a World War II Victory Medal. He worked at Empire-Reeves in Mansfield from 1950-1986 where he developed many friendships. Ernie was a member of the Hump Pilots Association Flying Tigers, a group of pilots who served in the Eighth Army Signal Corps. He was also a member of Grace Brethren Church in Mansfield. He enjoyed his friendships and his time spent with his brother as a member of the Son's of Herman.

He is survived by a daughter, Carol Charles "Chuck" Meisse Au of Ontario; an adopted son, John McGinty; six grandchildren, Marka Stuart Lyle of Dublin, Ohio, Melinda Lane of Lexington, Gunther II Stephanie Workman Meisse, of Bellville, Robert Jennifer Williams Meisse of Ontario, Stephen McGinty and Edward McGinty; step grandchildren; Roger Lorel Au, Jeff Judy Au, and Cathlene "Cathy" Marlon Koenig; great grandchildren, Ellie, Becca, Jenna, Gunnar, Lauren, Sarah, Rachel, Julia, Brigitte, Bria, Brynn, Miles, Spencer, Sabrina, Zoey, Daisie, Dakota, Wyatt, Blake, and Dylan; one older brother, Clifford Rosemary McGinty of Mansfield; step great grandchildren; Jennifer, Jay, Jesson, Julianne, Stephanie, and Clay; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Robert deceased McGinty of Winchester Terrace Nursing Home in Mansfield; numerous nieces, nephews, and several other dear relatives and friends; and the nursing staff and residents of Primrose and the nurses of Hospice of North Central Ohio as they became his extended family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beulah McKinley McGinty Burton; his second wife of many years, Leah Jean Turner Long McGinty; two sisters, Anna Symsick and Helen Cochran; four brothers, Robert, Richard, Bert and William McGinty; and special war buddy and Flying Tiger friend, Robert Gillespie of California.

Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Gene Witzky. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, Grace Brethren Church or Smile Train.