Raymond E. "Ray" Ernst, 89, of Findlay, and formerly of Tiffin, passed away, Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2015 at Bridge Hospice Care in Findlay.

He was born on February 20, 1926, in Tiffin, Ohio, to Harry and Agnes (Harter) Ernst. On February 20, 1947 in St. Mary Catholic Church, he married Joan Barger, who was the daughter of Wallace and Mary (Ridge) Barger.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; sons, A. Chris (Rose) Ernst and Mark (Kim) Ernst, both of Tiffin; daughters, Ann (George) Georgevich of Toledo and Brenda (Charles) Dunlap of Tiffin; sister, Margaret "Peg" Reinhart of Florida; 13 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 2 great, great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ray graduated in 1944 from Tiffin Calvert High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, Ray and his father started H. H. Ernst & Son, which later became Tiffin Enterprise, Inc. In the early 70's, he started Buckeye Panel-Ply, Inc., which he owned for over 20 years. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, United Commercial Travelers, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Tiffin Elks Lodge #94 and the American Legion #169. Ray enjoyed boating on Lake Erie, vacationing and traveling the world.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, May 18, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Gary Walters officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the United Veterans Council.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Christian Wake Service will begin at 5:30 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Calvert Catholic Schools, American Diabetes Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.