Ernest M. Hillard Jr., 63, passed away at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN on July 14, 2015.

He was born to the late Ernest and Mary (Porter) Hillard in McHenry, Kentucky on October 16, 1951.

Ernest was preceded in death by a sister Frances Hillard.

Ernest graduated high school from Castle High School in 1971 and was immediately drafted into the army where he served for two years. He has worked for Southern Indiana Tire for 34 years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, building birdhouses, being outside, and spending time with his grandkids.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife Diane (Noirfalise) Hillard of Fort Branch, IN, daughter Tammy (Robert) Werner of Evansville, IN, son Michael (Emily) Hillard of Evansville, IN, brothers Kerry (Robin) Hillard of Winslow, IN and Rick (Michelle) Hillard of Crown Pointe, IN, sisters Joann (John) Blackford of Boonville, IN and Sandy Shoaei of Evanville, IN, and 2 grandsons Andrew and Christopher Werner.

Services for Ernest will be on Saturday July 18, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN. Military honors service will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery on July 18, 2015 at 10:30 AM with burial to follow.

Visitation will be on Friday July 17, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN.