Ernest E. “Ernie” Smith, 92, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2012 in Indianapolis.

He was born November 16, 1919 in Princeton, the son of Oscar and Bessie (Mounts) Smith.

He graduated from Princeton High School, worked as a pharmacy tech at Cooper’s Drug Store and studied at the University of Kentucky Pharmacy School in Lexington.  He served in WWII as a medic with the 76th Infantry Division in LeHarve, France and Brussels, Belgium.

After the war, he returned to Princeton and farmed for many years east of town near the Fairview community. He is a member of the Speedway 500 American Legion and the Princeton VFW.

Ernie is predeceased by his parents; his three siblings, Zeta Mae Capehart, Ralph and Russell Smith; his wife of 51 years, Charlotte Whiting Smith; and a grandson, Matthew Alan Elliott.

Survivors include a son, Alan (Melanie) Smith of Princeton; and a daughter, Elaine Whiting Smith Elliott of Indianapolis.  He has two grandchildren, Ryan (Cheryl) Smith of Evansville and Emily Smith (Michael) Hearlston of Justice, Ill. He has two great-grandchildren, Cru Smith and Hannah Smith.

Ernie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family; his special companion, Martha Fancher; friends, Loren and Jeannie Hemphill; and many others in Princeton and at the Crestwood Village West Apartments in Indianapolis.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Fairview Church Cemetery Friday, June 22, 2012 at 1 p.m.  Arrangements handled by Indiana Funeral Care, Indianapolis.