C. Ernest Mankey, Eustis, Lake, Florida USA

Ernie lived in Umatilla for some time before returning to Ohio to marry his second wife (Hilda) in 1946. They moved to Central Florida with Ernie's two daughters, Jo Ann and Betty Jane and made a home in Eustis. The family immediately joined the Methodist church on Citrus Ave.

When plans were drawn up for the new church building on Grove
Street, Mr. Mankey put in a bid on the brick work and received the contract.

As being children the girls did not pay too much attention to all the details on building the church but both remember the special care that was used to put in the stained glass round window at the front of the church. A special diamond blade had to be ordered for the saw to cut out the perfect circle around "Jesus in the Garden". This was done before all the modern day equipment and all was done by hand.

Mr. Mankey was well known around Central Florida for his stone work and fireplaces. His favorite material was brick and Tennessee stone.

Ernie was a quiet man and was always home with the family unless he was out doing his favorite things. He was an avid fisherman and sometimes could be found under the wooden boat that was standing on end as he walked down Herrick Dr. to Lake Eustis. That was one of the girl's best childhood memories. Come time for a full moon, he was out on Lake Dalhousie at midnight catching some big bass for the dinner table. He was also interested in hunting and trapping. If you couldn't find him doing those things he would be in the garage at home taking the ole 1949 Army green Buick engine apart and cleaning it bit by bit for the next trip to Ohio or Colorado.

Ernie and Hilda had 6 grandchildren. Both of the Mankeys were buried in Ohio. Ernie in Middleton, next to his first wife (Kathryn) and mother to the girls. Hilda, precious step-mother to the girls, was buried in her family plot in Ridgeway, Ohio.