Obituary of Ernest Thompson Witmer

~~Ernest Thompson Witmer, Jr., age 74, of Clarksville, passed away, Sunday, August 27, 2017.  Ernest was born, June 24, 1943, in Clarksville to Ernest and Myrtle Joyner Witmer, Sr.  He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Ann Webb and Peggy Kelm; 3 grandsons, Wade Witmer and Cody and Brody Clark.  Everyone that knew Ernest will say that whatever he undertook that he gave 100%.  He was one of the most active members of his community and always had one of the best gardens in the county.  Ernest got his start in the retail business working at June Brewer’s Men’s Wear and also, at Buddy’s Men’s Wear in Clarksville.  He later opened Witmer’s Men’s Wear in Clarksville for many years. In giving back to his community, Ernest was involved with the Clarksville Jaycees, Boy Scouts, coach of several Little League and Pony League baseball teams, and was a State Director for the Dixie Youth State Baseball Association for many years.  He also was active in the Red River County Fair where he served as Board Member and Chairman of the annual stew cook-off.  Ernest could always be counted on to make sure that the Clarksville Christmas Parade was on schedule.  He was chairman of the parade for many years and always donated his time to make sure that the Christmas lights were put in place on the Clarksville Square.  He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Clarksville.  Ernest, in his earlier years, was a member of the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department.  After every house fire, at the next meeting, the members would have the report on house damage and what came to be known as Witmer Damage!  The Clarksville community will miss Ernest. 

Survivors include his wife, Kay Warthan Witmer; his son, Michael Todd Witmer and wife, Chrissy of Clarksville; his daughters, Kayla Hall and husband, Robert of Detroit and Kristy Tyra and husband, Doug of Big Springs; his sisters, Kay Barnes of Mineola and Gail Huggins and husband, Lanny of Tyler; his grandchildren, Katy and Keith Hall and Ian and Drew Tyra.

Memorial services are set for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2017, at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Ellis, Rev. Neal Seaborn and Jim Clark officiating. 

Visitation will follow after the service, at the church.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Warthan Cemetery Association, attn: Cynthia Silman at, 135 Lantana Way, San Antonio, TX. 78258.