Ernest W. 'Ernie' Garard

Ernie Minton Garard, 68, of Indianapolis, was born in Valls Creek, West Virginia to Evelyn Conway and Earnest Minton. He was raised by his mother, Evelyn and step-father, Vernon Garard. Ernie retired from Naval Avionics Center and Raytheon as a manufacturing supervisor. Ernie was an Army veteran earning three purple hearts in Viet Nam, a member of the American Legion and a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans. Ernie is survived by his wife Bernita (Nita) Royer, son, Anthony (Tony), stepsons, Scott (Christy) Wilkins and Matthew Thompson, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie (Bill) McKee of South Carolina, Linda Lennon of Florida and sister-in-law, Illa (Joe) Mandrell, and former wife, Elaine (Phil) McCracken.