ERNEST LARSON HAMMOND, IN Ernest George Larson passed peacefully at the age of 88, in his home on Thursday, August 27, 2009. God knew he was not the man we all remembered him to be, now suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, so he gently closed his eyes during a warm bath and massage and quietly slipped away. Ernest was born April 24, 1926. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ann Jane Larson; his beloved mother, Mary Jones; biological father, George Larson; step father, Claude Jones; two sisters: Evelyn Rosenberger and Doris Otto and brother, Claude Jones. He is survived by one sister, Euarda Zerkel. As a young man, Ernest joined the armed services, traveled the world, and then became a father, husband, and provider. He worked at the Standard Oil Company and eventually retired from DuPont Chemical Plant. He was an avid golfer for over half of his life and would prefer to walk and carry his clubs rather than ride a golf cart. He loved to play cards with his friends and family. Ernest and his wife owned a drive-in restaurant in East Chicago, complete with car hops. They sold it to the state in 1956 to make room for the construction of I80/94. Ernie purchased it back for a dollar, disassembled it, transported the lumber to their land in Griffith and spent the entire Indiana Centennial year building the home where he raised his family until he built his second and last home in Lakes of the Four Seasons. They had two daughters: Patricia Ann Holland (with her children: Brian Albert (Sharon) Holland ( & wife Sharon; Julie Ann Holland & partner Janet; Alison Ruth Hart & husband Dave; Kimberly Ernestine Meier and foster grandchild Becky Sons and younger daughter, Naomi Pamela Ann Ravelo (with one biological child: Na'Lani Ann and two adopted children: Cheryl and Daniel). In addition he has 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. The family invites relatives and friends to a memorial luncheon at the Patio Restaurant and Lounge on 7706 Broadway in Merrillville, IN. on Sunday, October 4th 2009. The program will start at noon with lunch and no host bar to follow.