Ernie’s life began on Sept. 4, 1927, in Keeler, the son of Roy and Vesta (Robbins) Nash.

He was united in marriage to the former Joan Stienger on July 5, 1947, in Knoxville, Ky.

Ernie worked as a truck driver, but was best known as a race car driver.

His No. 68 stock car was well known on the race circuit from Plymouth, New Paris, South Bend, Kalamazoo, Hartford, Mottville, Galesburg and Fort Wayne.

Ernie loved driving his stock car named Casper anywhere there was an oval.

He was a member of Dowagiac Conservation Club and Peninsular Lodge 10 of Free and Accepted Masons.

His loving family includes: his son, William (Kathy) Nash of Decatur, daughter Ruth (Jim) Nash of Dowagiac, 10 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, a sister Opal Vandenburg of Pokagon and several nieces and nephews.

Ernie passed away at his home on Sunday, July 18, 2010.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joan in 2007, three sisters and two brothers.

His family will gather with friends on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. led by Pastor John Kasper of Dowagiac First United Methodist Church.

He will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles, following services.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Dowagiac Conservation Club.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Ernie at www.yazel-clark.com.