Ernest Oyler

Loa, Utah - After experiencing 93 wonderful years on this earth, the Patriarch of our family peacefully stepped into the loving arms of our Savior and waiting family members on August 3, 2014 at his home in Loa. Ernest Oyler, beloved and honored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was born July 26, 1921 in Loa, Utah, a son of Ammon Oyler Jr. and Annie Elizabeth Ernstsen Oyler. He was the ninth of thirteen children born to the couple. He married his eternal companion, Mary Leta Coleman, October 27, 1951 in Loa, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, September 18, 1975. Together, they raised seven children. Growing up, he learned from his parents, the value of honesty and hard work. He taught these values to his children, who have in turn, taught their children and so his influence and example will continue on. How grateful we are for life-long lessons taught by him. When he was ten years old, his father passed away and he went to live with an aunt and uncle, attending school in the historic school house in Fruita. Ernest served four years in the US Army as a Private First Class in the 343rd Infantry Regiment. He participated in the American Theater of Operations, Asiatic Pacific Theater and the Philippine Liberation. He earned a Bronze Star, Good Conduct and Victory Medals. He received an honorable discharge on February 4, 1946. He loved to hunt and fish with his sons and brothers and looked forward to joining them for their annual campouts and hunting adventures. Ernest was a High Priest and a member of the LDS Church. He and his wife served as Temple Workers in the Manti Temple, as assignment they thoroughly enjoyed. He was a faithful Home Teacher, but his favorite calling was that of a Primary Teacher. He had a great love for little children. He was a farmer, all around handyman and heavy equipment operator for the Wayne County Road Department. He retired in 1986 after 28 years with the department. Family was his most prized possession. He loved them deeply and prayed nightly for each one of them. Ernest is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Leta Oyler of Loa; children: Eunice (Johnny Beard) Oyler of Santa Fe, Texas; Ramona (Don) Peterson of Richfield; Dwight (Wanda) Oyler, Douglas (Merlyn) Oyler, Rick (Melanie) Oyler, Mericha Ann Oyler, all of Loa; Roger (Luana) Oyler of Torrey; 20 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, LaRue (Clint, deceased) Peterson and sister-in-law: DeOna (Jack) Putnam, all of Loa; and Bonni Oyler of California. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Leisa Oyler; and his siblings: Hans (Cleo) Oyler; Melvin (Wilma) Oyler; Victor (Mary) Oyler; Lila Taylor; Zina (Chester) New; Blanche (Earl) Pendleton; Layton (Lela) Oyler, Delia (Clyde) Peterson, Joy Oyler; Leland Oyler and Lester J. Oyler. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 8, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Friday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Loa Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.