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Subject: OBIT: WATTENBARGER, ERNEST
Date: 2 Apr 2005 12:10:37 -0700

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Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest Ca Kern County
March 3, 2005

ERNEST WATTENBARGER 1913-2005

Visitation for Ernest Wattenbarger will continue at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel in Bakersfield on (sic) today until 9 pm and Friday from 9 to 11 am. Graveside will be held Friday March 4, 2005 at noon.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1510 McCray St., Friday March 4, 2005 at 10 am.
Ernest Wattenbarger passed away at the age of 92 at his home on Feb. 28, 2005 after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's. Ernest was born on Jan. 3, 1913 to J.C. and Mamie Wattenbarger in McMinn County, Tenn.
Ernest received a B.S. degree from U.C. Davis and a masters from U.C. Berkeley. He taught agriculture at Cal Poly San Luis, Tulare High School and Bakersfield High School. He was appointed by the Govenor of California to be the Fresno County Farm Advisor. For 32 years he owned a citrus ranch in Lindsey.
He left teaching in 1948 to go into the lumber and hardward business (J.C. Wattenbarger and Sons, Inc.) with his parents and his brother Lloyd. He helped many people start in business by granting them credit on a mere handshake.
Ernest was very active in the community. he was a founding director of American National Bank. For 30 years he served on the board of the Better Business Bureau and the Mechants' Association. In 1989 he was listed in "Who's Who in California."
Ernest was a charter member of Oildale Kiwanis and had 45 years of perfect attendance. While in Kiwanis he was President, Lieutenant Governor and recived the "Man of the Year" Award. In 1968 and 1999 he was awarded the Hershell Helman Award. he was honored by Kiwanis International as a Life Member.
He formed National Properties with his son Don, subdividing and building homes.
For over 50 years he was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church and sang in the choir.
He enjoyed fishing, camping trips, playing the piano, dancing, genealogy and tending to his prized roses.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Audene in 1972, his parents J.C. and Mamie Wattenbarger and his brothers Jim and Lloyd. He leaves six children and their spouses: Shirley and Fred Simpson, don and Connie Wattenbarger, Betty and Frank Lowder, Jill and Steve Robinson all of Bakersfield, Jan and Richard Lasell of Inyokern and Joy and Earl Machowsky of Ridgecrest. He also leaves 16 granchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to his caregivers Betty Stafford and Edna White who so lovingly cared for him for many years.
The pallbearers will be his grandsons Kent Crenshaw, Kurt Crenshaw, John Frisbie, ryan Machowsky, Jacob Machowsky, Brad Robinson, Steven Ernest Robinson, Jason Wattenbarger and Scott Wattenbarger.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in memory of Ernest to St. Mark's United (Methodist Church).

Note: The obit ends with United.

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