Ernest S. Siler

Ernest S. Siler Ernest (“Ernie”) Siler passed away on March 4, 2015, with his family at his side, at Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN after a brief illness. Ernie was born on May 17, 1930, the 6th child of 7 to Flora and McKinley (Mack) Siler near Corbin, Kentucky. He attended Whitley County Kentucky schools (near Rockholds, KY) and briefly attended Barboursville Business College before being drafted into the U.S. Army in May of 1950. In the Army, he was assigned to the 9th Infantry Regiment (“Manchu”) just after South Korea was invaded. The Manchu troops were the first of the 2nd Infantry Division to reach Korean soil. They were successful, despite taking heavy casualties in battles at Bloody Ridge, Heartbreak Ridge, Old Baldy, Pork Chop Hill, and T-Bone Hill. During the Korean War, the regiment earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its gallant service at Hongchon. During this time, Ernie was a highly decorated soldier who was awarded several military commendations and Medals which included the United Nations Medal and as well as 2 Bronze Stars. After returning home to Kentucky, Ernie eventually moved to Connersville, where he worked at D&M for 36 years. In 1961, he married Ruby Burley and they had two children. They divorced in 1974. In 1977, Ernie married Janice Martz and resided in Rushville until her death in 2012. Throughout his life, Ernie enjoyed traveling, loved cars and racing, his horses and dogs. Ernie is survived by two children, William E. (“Gene”) Siler (Marriette) of New Castle, IN, and Julie A. Baker (Alan) of Connersville, a brother John H. Siler (Linda) and a sister Dorcas Mae Teague, both of Connersville, IN. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Tamara Sturm, Kenneth Sturm, Teri Bocko, Kristi Bocko O’Neill, Nina Baker Schilling, and Hannah Baker Winters, and one great grand-daughter, Lucy Schilling. Ernie will be cremated and private memorial will be held for family. His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony at the Siler Family Cemetery, which is located behind his boyhood home near Corbin, KY. In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Ernie’s life and service to his country can be made to your local animal shelter or Veterans organization.

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Ernest S. Siler

May 17, 1930 - March 4, 2015