Ernest Shepard Oliver, Jr., 81, of Washington, Pa., peacefully passed away in his sleep on November 16, 2023, at home.
He was born August 10, 1942, in Florence, SC, to the late Ernest Shepard Oliver, Sr. and Alma Summerlin Oliver. He grew up in Hamer SC and was a 1960 graduate of Dillon High School and a 1964 graduate of The Citadel Military College of South Carolina.
Ernest met his wife, “the love of his life”, Donna Jean Gove on the playground in grammar school. The story goes, he pulled her red pigtails, and she pushed him off the monkey bars. They were married on January 26, 1963, and had four children. They were together until her passing on January 10, 2023…almost 60 years!
They are now reunited with their only son, Ernest III, who passed away on November 5, 2019. Also preceding him in death were three siblings, Sallie Oliver Bowen, Robert Oliver, and Audrey Oliver Allen.
Upon graduation from The Citadel, he enlisted in the US Army. His many medals, citations, and commendations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Civic Action Honor Medal, Expert 90MM Tank, the Soldier’s Medal, and the Bronze Star. Captain Oliver felt honored and privileged to have been able to serve his country.
Ernest was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Washington and enjoyed spending time with his church family every Sunday. Special thanks to Dennis Schmidt for picking him up when he became unable to drive.
Before his health declined, Ernest could be found doing yoga at the Cameron Wellness Center or pedaling his bicycle on the road.
Every year, he and Donna Jean packed up the car to head south to vacation in Myrtle Beach. They also enjoyed going north to the White Mountains to see the changing of the leaves and do some hiking. He was very patient with his wife’s packing of the car.
Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Dawn (Russell) McCombs, Robin Murin (husband Chris Luppino), April Oliver, daughter-in-law Mindy Oliver, wife of the late Ernest III; grandchildren, Nathan (Alyssa) Murin, Jake (Kim) Murin, James Weaver III, Holly McCombs (Brandon Robinson), Ben (Alexandra) McCombs, Adam (Jenna) McCombs; grand dog, Shane; nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and brother William (Cathy) Oliver.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, December 16, 2023, 2-4 pm, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A memorial service will begin at 4 pm with Rev. Robert Grewe officiating.