Ernest Dale Trimpey

At the age of 95, Ernest Dale Trimpey entered into the presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ, on September 30, 2016. Ernest was born on March 19, 1921 in Culbertson, NE to Louis and Mildred Trimpey. He had three brothers, a half brother, and 2 sisters. Ernest graduated from Culbertson High School in 1939. In 1942, Ernest joined the war effort through the United States Maritime Service and was assigned to the Coast Guard out of San Francisco, CA. After technical training at Port Hueneme, CA and officers training at Alameda, CA, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, before his honorable discharge in 1946. On September 29, 1946 he married Stella Porter and moved to the Chicago area. After receiving some technical training there, they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and Ernest began a long career with Sears and Roebuck as a service technician. In 1949, Ernest discovered his favorite pastime, Square Dancing. He worked diligently to master all aspects of the hobby, especially “Calling.” In the late 1950's, Ernest moved his family to the small town of Boulder Creek, CA where they remained until his retirement. In 1986, he and Stella moved to Grants Pass, OR. Ernest was active at the Merlin Community Baptist church for many years, especially in the music department. He also was a member of the Pacemakers choral group. He often incorporated sign language into the musical presentations as he had learned to sign in order to better communicate with his disabled grandson. Ernest is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Snyder of Redding, CA; sons Cal Trimpey of Palm Springs and Tye Trimpey of Grants Pass; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Stella and a grandson. A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Merlin Community Baptist Church in Merlin, Oregon. Arrangements are entrusted to Chapel of the Valley – L.B. Hall Funeral Home.