Ernest C. Rheinheimer, 86, of New Paris, died Thursday, Jan. 4 at Goshen Hospital.

He was born May 23, 1931 in LaGrange County to Clayton and Maude M. (Miller) Rheinheimer.

Survivors include four children, Randy (Joyce) Rheinheimer of Encinitas, California, Ronda (Mike) Lambright of New Paris, Rochele (Michael) Myers of Warsaw and Ryan (Kimberly) Rheinheimer of Goshen; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings, Esther Hoover, Pauline Schrock, Lois Blosser, and Al, Floyd, Maynard, Ivan and John Rheinheimer.

From 1951 to 1955, Ernest served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a Cub Scout Leader for two years and Boy Scout Leader for 10 years.  He owned and operated the former E & M Restaurant in Waterford.

Friends may call Friday, Jan. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.  An 11 a.m. memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 13 at the funeral home.  Pastor Mike Griggs of Waypoint Community Church, Goshen will officiate.

A private burial at Hess Cemetery will take place.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Goshen Center for Cancer Care.