Ernest Archer Sr., age 91, of Howard City passed away July 13 at his residence. He was born December 14, 1918. He is survived by his children, step children Patricia (Floyd) Waite of Cedar Springs, Marilyn Beemer of Sand Lake, Ernest Jr. (Gerry) Archer of Howard City; 19 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter Archer and a sister-in-law, Elaine Butler; and many nieces and nephews, with a special nephew and niece Lyle and Ann Mills. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Mary Howe, in 1993 and his wife of 14 years, Mildred Jean in 2008; a daughter Judy Dian; three sisters, Josephine, Beatrice, and Lula; and two brothers, Edward and Erwin. Ernie was born in Gratiot County and grew up around Laingsburg and moved to Howard City in 1944, on his farm at 10721 Beech. He worked at Motor Wheel in Lansing and retired from Gibsons in 1982. He continued farming after his retirement. Ernie enjoyed camping, traveling, farming, and was the family fix it man. Funeral services will take place on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coral with Pastor Ken Harger officiating with burial in the North Ensley Cemetery. Friends may call at the Heckman Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and prior to services on Friday at the Church.
Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City, www.heckmanfuneralhomeinc.com