Ernest L. Wilmot

Ernest L. Wilmot, 89, formerly of Elgin, died May 24 at his home. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater. Concluding services and burial will follow in the Milton-Freewater Cemetery.

One of eight children, Ernie was born March 1, 1921, in Nampa, Idaho. He was the son of Silas and Mary Thompson Wilmot. The family lived near the Boise and Meridian area where they farmed. He attended country schools and completed his schooling at Cloverdale.

On June 11, 1938, he married Leona A. Ourada in Boise. During World War II he enlisted in the Army in December 1944 and received his honorable discharge in April 1946.

The couple and family lived at Smith Prairie in Idaho where he began working in the timber business. He worked at a machine shop in Ontario for a time and later went back to work driving log truck in Condon.

He also lived in Elgin for several years where he worked at Boise Cascade until his retirement, when they moved to Milton-Freewater. Ernie enjoyed driving his stock car and racing in the area. He was a member of the VFW No. 4567, American Legion No. 24 and B.P.O.E.No. 2146.

He is survived by his wife at the home; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dale Nichols of Walla Walla; son and daughter-in-law, Willy and Karen Wilmot of Milton-Freewater; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW No. 4567 the American Legion Post No. 24 or the Elks Lodge No. 2146 in care of the funeral home.

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