Ercel G. Kerner, 93, of Ft. Wayne, IN and formerly of Franklin, IN passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 at StoryPoint West Senior Living in Ft. Wayne, IN.

He was born October 12, 1930 in Freetown, Jackson County, IN to the late Gilbert Leroy Kerner and Mae (Wagoner) Kerner.  Ercel married Marilyn (Beaman) Kerner on July 10, 1952 in Franklin, IN, she preceded him in death on May 21, 2022.

Ercel was a 1948 graduate of Franklin High School and a graduate of Purdue University earning his degree in electrical engineering.

He was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War having been honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sargent.

Ercel retired from Martin Marietta in 1993 as a quality engineer.  He previously had worked for RCA in Bloomington, IN and Magnavox in Ft. Wayne, IN.

He enjoyed playing bridge and table tennis.  At one time, he obtained #2 status in table tennis in the state of Indiana in his age bracket.  Ercel had competed in the Senior Olympics in Ft. Wayne, IN.

Survivors include his sons Steve Kerner (Beth) of New Haven, IN and Dave Kerner (Meredith) of Kokomo, IN, grandchildren Justin Kerner, Jamie Kerner (Matt Masterson), Megan Barthelemy (Kevin), Andrew Kerner (Kelsey Kennedy), Matt Kerner (Maria Yienger), great-grandchildren Kayden and Elijah Kerner, and Skylar, Trinity and Gracelyn Barthelemy, a brother-in-law Marvin Beaman (Louise) of Franklin, IN and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The Reverend Jeff Buck will conduct a service on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 2PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Friends may call on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 12 Noon until service time at the mortuary.  Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eleos Hospice Care, 4432 Ardmore Avenue, Suite B, Ft. Wayne, IN 46809

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.