Fred Calvin Ernst

Fred Calvin Ernst, 79, of Rogers, Ark., passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 20, 2012. He was born Jan. 13, 1933, in Torrington, Wyo., to Ben and Eleanor Hubbard Ernst. Fred served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952 in World War II in the Berlin Air Lift as part of the 759 Military Police Battalion. In his early years, Fred worked as a taxi driver, a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray School of Dance, and studied Accounting at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. He married his wife, Goldie Smith Ernst, in 1953 and purchased a farm and home just east of Rogers in 1954. Soon after, Fred helped construct Daisy BB Gun Manufacturing and was employed there for eight years before beginning his 30-year career for the United States Postal Service. During that time he was president of the Letter Carriers Union, and founded the local chapter of the Carrier Alert Program benefiting the elderly of Rogers, Ark., which later became a nationally recognized program. Fred and Goldie proudly celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in May of this year. Fred's favorite activities were spending time in his garden and farm, listening to Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, and Lawrence Welk, studying family history and amusing his family with his great sense of humor, which included hosting a "lack of talent" show each Christmas. Fred is survived by his wife, Goldie, of the home; their five children, Fredia Wright (husband, JL) of Garfield, Arlene Clark (husband, Tim) of Rogers, Freddie Ernst (wife, Sherrie) of Rogers, Debbie Griffin (husband, Mark) of Bentonville, John Ernst of Rogers; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Ann McGill of Folsom, Calif.; and three nieces of California. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 24, from 5 to 7p.m. at Rollins funeral home in Rogers. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at the Rollins funeral chapel in Rogers. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery near Garfield. Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.