Ernest Clifford Laudeman, 86, of Pattersonville, Ringtown, passed away Wednesday night at his residence.

Born in Ringtown on December 16, 1926, he was the son of the late Adam and Emily (Rumble) Laudeman.

Ernie was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School.

Upon high school graduation as combat during World War II raged on; Ernie enlisted in the US Army Air Corps as a Parachute Rigger. He was honorably discharged at the conclusion of the war and received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

Following his military service, Ernie enrolled in Penn State University and earned a degree in aeronautical engineering. He moved to San Diego and worked for various aerospace companies. In 1962 he started a twenty-five year career with General Dynamics Convair division having retired in 1987.

While in San Diego he met and married his wife, the former Shirley Francis Wilson who preceded him in death in 2008.

His passion in life was airplanes; his vision prohibited him from flying them, but it did not hinder his ability to design, manufacture and repair them.

A few years after his retirement, Ernie returned home to the Ringtown Valley. He was a member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ, and the American Legion Harry A. Kase Post 289, both of Ringtown.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents and his wife was a sister, Carol Hetherington in 2009.

Surviving are a son, James Clifford Laudeman of Warner Springs, CA; a daughter Nancy Gail Nickols and her husband Terry of Aguanga, CA; a sister, Linda Suze Taylor and her husband Bobof Aspers; a nephew and caregiver, Darryl Hetherington and his wife Judith of Ringtown; a nephew, Dennis Hetherington and his wife Vicki of Lewisberry; three nieces, Diane Schappell of Ringtown, Cathy Lorah and her husband Ronald of Ringtown and Lori Buckanavage of the Harrisburg area; great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held graveside Saturday, April 20th at 11:30 AM in St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Ringtown. Rev. Craig Zimmerman willofficiate.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.