Ernest L. Bowyer, 74, of Elkhart, passed away Friday morning, July 8, 2016 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born June 14, 1942 in Eskdale, WV, to Earl & Bertie (Dillon) Bowyer and was an Elkhart area resident for over 40 years. Ernest met the love of his life, Carollotta (Harkless) Bowyer and they married June 6, 1975; together they would raise two children. Carllotta preceded him in death on December 25, 2007, after 32 years of marriage. He proudly served in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1962. Ernest retired as a machine operator for Valley Machine and was formerly employed at Elkhart Rubber Works. He liked watching old TV shows such as The Waltons and Andy Griffith. Known as a joker, and always enjoyed calling everyone a "whipper-snapper" or "Haywood", Ernest also enjoyed Notre Dame Football, NASCAR and an occasional cold beer; he also liked playing softball and caring for his dogs, Peanut, Roxie & Chipa. The highlight of his life was always the time he spent with his children & grandchildren, and also fishing with his daughter. In addition to his parents and his wife, Ernest was also preceded in death by his brothers, Earl & Donald. He is survived by his son Ernie (Nikki) Bowyer of Elkhart; his daughter, Elizabeth Ortiz of Elkhart; his grandchildren, Kristen, Rico, Cameron, Trevor, Jordan, Khaileigh & Karicca; brothers, Ronnie, Robert, Claude, Danny & Johnny. Memorial Service 7:00pm Wednesday July 13, 2016 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. Friends may call from 5-7pm Wednesday at the funeral home with a military honor service at 5:30pm.