Ernest Martin Madill

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Ernest Martin Madill, 85, Nevada, passed away at Nevada Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. He was born in Chanute, Kan., on June 23, 1924, the fourth of eight children of Ralph Clark Madill and Ella Mary Umphenour Madill. He married Mary Marie Dobson in 1946 and she survives of the home.

Ernie and his family came to Nevada in 1959 to start Madill Tire and Supply; a tire and appliance store that became a fixture on the square for decades. He believed in being an active participant in Nevada, and knew the importance of sports to balance children's education. He sponsored for years a local Little League team, simply called Madill's. He had strong opinions and a special kindness and generosity for friends as well as strangers in need.

His community and his friends and family were his life. Ernie served in many organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and led the Nevada Country Club for a year as president during a transitional time, initiating improvements to the facility to guide the organization through change.

He enjoyed golf immensely, and together he and his wife traveled extensively for the joy of playing different courses in other locales.

Ernie served his country as a sergeant in the 309th Infantry Regiment in the U. S. Army during World War II. He was the leader of a light machine gun squad in the European Theatre of Operations, participating in campaigns in Belgium and Germany, during which he was awarded the Bronze Service Star. He suffered serious wounds during the Battle of the Bulge for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. His rifle skills were legendary. That expertise, coupled with his natural leadership abilities, led to his selection as a rifle marksmanship instructor for recruits.

Surviving Ernie are his wife Mary; children, Marsha Lindsey and her husband Melvin, Larry Madill Sr. and his wife Linda, and Susan Spanel and her husband George; two brothers, Wayne Madill and Ralph Madill; and one sister Marie Carlburg. Ernie and Mary have four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., on Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.