Ernest E. Ozbun

Ernest Everett Ozbun was born in Kansas on January 31, 1925 and passes away on December 26, 2012. He was 87 years old. Ernie lived a long, fulfilling life. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army and served in France and the Philippines during WWII as a sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged from the service, he returned to Kansas, completed his high school education, and started work as a box boy in the local grocery store. It was there that he met the love of his life Myrtle Ferris, who became his wife on June 22, 1947. They were married nearly 58 years when she passed away in May 2005. They had three sons – John, who is married to Maggie, Frank who is married to Jo and Jim, who is married to Linda. They also have five grandchildren – Steve, Chris, Julie, Tim and Lisa.

While still dating, Myrtle had been persuaded by her aunt to move out to California. Ernie missed Myrtle terribly and decided to come to California to visit her for a couple of weeks. He ended up finding a job and staying in California for the rest of his life. He bought a house that Myrtle’s contractor uncle had built, got married to Myrtle, and raised his family in that very same house. Ernie lived in that house for 65 years!

Ernie retired from Mayfair Market after more than 40 years in the grocery business, most of it as a produce manager. After retirement, Ernie loved to go camping and fishing especially during the summer months. He loved sports but was an especially avid Lakers fan from the 1960’s until the present day. He spent many evenings watching the games on TV with his grandson Tim an even attended several Lakers exhibition games when they were in town. Ernie also enjoyed going to Las Vegas and Barona Casino where he would usually come home the big winner.

Ernie loved his children and grandchildren and was very proud of them. He will be greatly missed.