Community News

Ernest Eugene Plyler

Ernest Eugene Plyler, age 88, of McKean, died Monday, August 1, 2022 at LECOM Senior Living Center. He was born in Alcola, Jefferson County, PA on April 23, 1934, one of two sons of William and Viola Chitester Plyler.

After graduating from Redbank High School in 1952, Ernie moved to the Erie area where his brother lived. On August 2, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Sara Lou “Sally” Wiant, and they started their family while living in Erie, before moving to McKean in 1959.

Ernie was a hard worker and easily made friends and left good impressions with those he met. He first worked at Sanida Dairy from 1953-66 as a milkman, and then worked at Lake Erie Supply for three years, during which he started installing garage doors on evenings and weekends. In 1967, he founded his business, Plyler Overhead Door Company. Now, 55 years later, Plyler Entry Systems is a leader in Northwest PA as a 3rd-generation family business. Ernie was proud of his family, and proudly wore his Plyler Entry Systems t-shirts.

Over the years, Ernie was active in his community attending and serving at church, as a member of the Lions Club, the Oasis 416 Masonic Lodge, the Zem Zem Shriners, and as a life member of the McKean Hose Company and St. Francis Ushers Club. He enjoyed winters in Florida, and often spoke of his “hole-in-one” while golfing at Venango Valley.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Sally on March 31, 2014, and his brother Edward Plyler.

Family members surviving include his daughter, Terri Lee Taylor and husband Al of Vacaville, CA; his son, Jeffrey E. Plyler and wife Rhonda of McKean; five grandchildren- Justin Plyler and wife Carly, Kelli Taylor, Jordan Plyler, Katie Wirtz and husband Nate, and Paige Boesch and husband Ryan; and great-grandchildren- Lily Plyler, Claire and Andrew Plyler, and baby girl Boesch due in January.

Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Friday from 3 - 7 pm. The funeral service will be there on Saturday at 11:00 am followed by the committal service and burial at Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to be given to the Oasis 416 Masonic Lodge or McKean Hose Company. To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.