Lewis Ernest Wasson

Lewis Ernest “Ernie” Wasson, 86, of Herrick, IL, passed away at 12:47 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, in his residence, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at First Christian Church of Herrick, IL, with Rev. Paul Dickerson officiating. Visitation will be from noon – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in the church. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, near Cowden, IL, with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Oak Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. 

Ernie was born on May 3, 1938, in Fayette County, IL, the son of John William and Hazel (Jennings) Wasson. Ernie graduated from Herrick High School in the Class of 1956 and attended the University of Maryland.

Ernie served in the U.S. Army with tours in Europe, Korea, and three tours in Vietnam. After 20 years of service and obtaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, CW4, Ernie retired. He built his home and began farming in Bowling Green Township. Ernie was a member of Oak Grove Church and Herrick Church of Christ. He served as a speaker, teacher and trustee for many years.

Ernie married Mary Jane “Janie” Lett on June 8, 1957. He is the father of four children: sons, Lewis Wasson Jr. (Alicia) of Herrick, IL, and James E. Wasson (Rhonda) of Cowden, IL, and daughters, Maria A Wasson and Marrainnia J. Wasson, which both preceded him in death.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Zackery Wasson, Garrett Wasson (Dawn), Stephanie Nohren (Luke), Savannah Kennett (Justin), Andrew Wasson, And Franklin Ray; 12 great grandchildren, one great great grandson; brother, Wayne J. Wasson (Jannette) of Albuquerque, NM; and sister, Selma Crowder of Baytown, TX.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; parents, John William and Hazel Wasson; daughters, Maria and Marrainnia Wasson; brothers, Roy, Robert, Darrell, and Nelson Wasson; sister, Wanda Patton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Marie Lett; sisters-in-law, Madeline Robert and Gertrude Dodd; and brother-in-law, James C. Lett, Jr.