Ernest Phelps passed away on July, 5 2013 in Sun city West, Ariz. He was born at home to Violet and Raymond Phelps in Indianapolis, Ind. on January 14, 1932. He graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School and excelled in many sports. He was voted athlete of year in 1950. He served four years in the Navy during the Korean War. He went on with his life, attending Indiana and Butler Universities. After marrying his first wife, Patricia Buckner, they moved to California where he graduatedFrom Northrup Institute of Technology with a B.S. Degree in Aircraft Technology.

He was an engineer at North American Aviation in California. Later, he moved with his family to Bellevue, Wash. and was an engineer at Boeing. He retired in 1988 and moved to Greenbank on Whidbey Island. His family were members of the Evangelical Free Church in Greenbank. Ernie met his current wife, Ruth Wright Phelps at the Whidbey Golf and Country Club, as they both were avid golfers. They were married at the Anacortes Baptist Church in 2002. They resided for a number of years in Burlington, Wash. on the Skagit Golf and Country Club and wintered in Sun City West, Ariz., eventually living full time in Arizona. They are members of the First Baptist Church in Sun City West, Az. Ernie loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Ruth and sons Randy (Justine and children, Janae, Sean and Brandon) of Tacoma, Wash. and Jeff (Nancy) of Nottingham, Md.

Also, one brother, Raymond (Tina) and sister-in-law, Shirley Phelps and Steve and Terry Phelps.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia Buckner Phelps, his brothers, Rodney and David Phelps and his mother and father. Ernie was laid to rest by his mother and father in Indianapolis, Ind.

Ernie was a kind and gentle man with many talents. He loved his church. He will be terribly missed by all, especially by his wife, Ruth.