Wilbur Ernst

Wilbur (Will) Ernst of Hilliard, OH passed away peacefully on December 11, 2012 at Altercare of Hilliard from complications related to Parkinson's. Will was born on January 13, 1934 in Norwood, OH. He grew up in Cincinnati where he graduated from Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati, receiving his masters degree in administration in the early sixties. Known as an outstanding basketball and baseball player, he played for UC in the Jack Twyman era. Following his time at UC, he spent one year as a pitcher in the minor leagues. He was a coach in the Cincinnati school system both at Withrow and Taft High Schools. In 1969, he moved his family to Spain for four years to coach and teach basketball. Upon returning to Ohio in 1973, he took a job in the Hilliard school district where he worked for 26 years first as a teacher and coach, and later as an administrator and athletic director. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime. Will was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Rose Ernst and his brother and sister in law Charles and Carol Ernst. He leaves behind his sister Lorraine (Jim) Wilson, his devoted wife of 56 years Phyllis (Arlene Lamblin), three cherished children Sandi (Jon) Perez, Staci (Tim) Weller and Moses (Heather) Ernst, six wonderful grandchildren Nicolas and Lauren Perez, Justin and Jared Weller, and Riley and Tommy Ernst. Will was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved the Cincinnati Bearcats, Bengals and Reds and spent a lifetime loving the game of golf. In later years, he enjoyed singing with the Hilliard Happiness Entertainers and was referred to by all as the "ultimate gentleman". He was a member of the Hilliard Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club and Republican Club. The family would like to thank Altercare of Hilliard, Dr. Friedenberg, Hospice for their compassionate care and the Buckeye Brain Bank where Will is donating his brain to further the research of Parkinson's Disease. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15 at TIDD FUNERAL HOME; 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH; followed by a service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hilliard Davidson Athletic Boosters (5100 Davidson Road, Hilliard 43026) to be used to assist student athletes in their pursuits on the court and in the classroom. A private family inurnment will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery