OBITUARY: James Ernest 'Ernie' Hargrove

James Ernest "Ernie" Hargrove, 71, Mount Vernon, died 11:42 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mount Vernon.

He was born Wednesday, April 28, 1943, in Hamilton County, to Marion Inman and Bonnie Louise (Whitmire) Hargrove. He married Sandi Smith on Dec. 17, 1967, in Mount Vernon. She preceded him in death on Nov. 9, 2006.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at Eddyville Cemetery in Eddyville with Matthew Correll Gray officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Interment will be at Eddyville Cemetery in Eddyville. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery.

He is survived by a son, James Edward Hargrove and wife Mellisa of Mount Vernon; two daughters, Tonia Matlock and husband Tony of Marshall, Ark., Susan Gray and husband Matthew Correll of East Palatka, Fla.; 14 grandchildren, Angela Matlock, Cara Sims and husband Clay, James Matlock, Rachel Matlock, Rebekah Matlock, Kathryn Matlock, Benjamin Matlock, Sandi Gray, Joshua Gray, Johnathan Gray, Jason Hargrove, Jessica Hargrove, Jeffrey Hargrove and Brianna Vash; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bonnie Louise Goss, Marjorie Ann Ensley and Mildred June Willis; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and wife preceded him in death.

Ernie served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and worked as an electrical engineer for Dowzer Hevi Duty in Mount Vernon where he retired. He was of the Baptist faith.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to the Hargrove Family (Please make checks payable to Tonia Matlock) and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, Ill. 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call (618) 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfh.com for further information and to send condolences.