Harry Paul Ernst was born Dec. 17, 1921 in French Camp.

He passed away at home on Sunday, Jan. 4, in Atwater. Harry was raised in the Sierra mountains near Coulterville by his parents, Charles and Irene Ernst.

He learned the value of hard work on their ranch and apple orchards and also working in the Yosemite Valley for the California Conservation Corps. Harry later enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a military police officer serving in World War II with an honorable discharge. Harry had a very successful career in the construction industry where he became the owner of his own company, doing business in the greater Northern California area. After retirement, he continued working as a security officer until August 2008.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, Irene and Charles Ernst; loving first wife of over 30 years, Helen R. Ernst in 1994; granddaughters, Faith Marie Ernst and Kimberly Sue Lackey; and great granddaughter, Clarissa Ernst. Harry is survived by his loving wife Raquel Ernst; children Richard P. Ernst, Wayne L. Ernst and his wife Tina Marie, Steve Loredo, Arthur Loredo, Juan Loredo and his wife Kimberly, and Elizabeth Loredo; grand children, Wayne L. Ernst Jr., Christina Carol Ernst, Richard Paul Ernst Jr., Katharine Helen Easterwood and Stacey Grimstead; great grand children, Mayson Ryder Still, Evan Paul Ernst, Amber Boone, Anthony Lee Marshall, Justine and Crystal Lackey; and great-great grand child, Andrew Michael Easterwood.

Visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Whitton Family Funeral Services, 740 W. 19th Street, in Merced. The funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. at Centro Calvario Assembly of God, 985 E. Bellevue Dr., in Atwater. Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at East Union Cemetery in Manteca.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitton Family Funeral Service in Merced.