Ernest D. Smith Sr., 81, of Somerset, passed away at 8:28 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at his residence. Ernie was born March 14, 1941, in Racine, West Virginia, the son of the late Luther Edward and Maybelle (Livingston) Smith. He was a Korean Conflict Navy veteran (1959-1961) and an Air Force veteran (1962-1966). He retired in 1993 from Ohio Bell. Ernie loved old cars, hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ina Joyce Smith, whom he married April 8, 1982; his children, Danette Smith of Columbus, Bob (Jenny) Cordray of Stockport, Kimberly Wells of Somerset; and Jerry (Barb) Cordray of Thornville; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Ed (Debbie) Smith of Pataskala, and Grace Prince of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ernest Smith Jr.; a sister, Lenora Rychlak; and two brothers-in-law, Charlie Prince and Joseph Rychlak. Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023 with the Rev. Victoria Burgoon officiating. Burial will follow in Somerset Cemetery with Somerset American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58 providing military honors. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com