Ernest Kenneth Gentit

Ernest K. Gentit, 91 years, of Bryan, died on Friday, February 2, 2007, at the Dilworth Center of Community Hospital and Wellness Center, Montpelier, where he had been admitted earlier on Friday. A 1933 graduate of Stryker High School, Ernie attended Ohio State University, studying engineering. A WWII Air Force veteran, Ernie retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Lt. Colonel in September 1975. Ernie was an engineer for The Aro Corporation, where he began working in 1941 until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, where he served as an elder. He also was a 50-year member of the Bryan Masonic Lodge #215, Blue Lodge #511 and 179, Royal Arch Masons of Ohio #45. He was a member of the Bryan Moose Lodge #1064, where he served as an officer. He also was an officer of the Williams County Genealogical Society and the Bryan American Legion Post #284. Ernest K. Gentit was born on September 2, 1915, in Stryker, Ohio, the son of Ernest Leon and Alta Ann (Harris) Gentit. He married Dorothy J. Tawney-Smith on February 14, 1941, in Bryan, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on November 22, 1983. Surviving are his daughter, Judith Featherstone of San Rafael, California, and a daughter-in-law, Joyce Smith, of Bryan; grandchildren, Michelle A. Kleinhen, of Bryan, and Doug (Kathy) Smith, of Bryan; two great-granddaughters, Lydia and Drew Kleinhen; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy, son, Michael “Gene” Smith, grandson-in-law, David Kleinhen, and brother, Emmett Gentit. Memorial services for Ernest K. Gentit will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, with Pastor Rob Marrow officiating. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Private burial will be made in Evansport Cemetery. Memorials in the name of Ernest Kenneth Gentit may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 506 Oxford Drive, Bryan, Ohio 43506.