was a oil field worker, roller rink manager, bridge builder, and furniture maker, but the title he was most proud of was family man. Whether it was traveling to national landmarks and tourist attractions with his family, or carefully selecting, then wrapping birthday and Christmas presents for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Ernest was happiest with family nearby. He always carried his camera to document family activities, and filled many scrapbooks of their travels. Ernest, of Allegan, passed away at the Allegan County Medical Care Facility on Sunday, September 14, 2008. He was born at the Chicora farm of his parents, Ralph and Flossie (Miller) Brower, on September 24, 1922. Ernest grew up in Chicora, and attended the Noble District No. 7 grade school. After graduating from Bloomingdale High School, he worked with his father on the farm and part time with his brother, Ford, in the Merson and Grand Junction oil fields. Around 1950 he became manager of the M - 40 North Field View Roller Rink..There he met Nancy Page. They were married on September 12, 1954, by the Rev. Ralph Reed, of the First Baptist Church of Allegan. In the early 1960's, Ernest became a member of one of two 12 man bridge crews that built the bridge overpass for the new 1-96 expressway from South Haven to north of Douglas/Saugatuck, New Richmond roads and across the Kalamazoo river east of Saugatuck. For 27 years he worked as a machine operator for a Holland Furniture maker, retiring in 1987. Ernest was a avid collector of coins, stamps, bottles and loved riding and reading about trains. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla "Nancy" Brower; 2 daughters, Sarita and Michael Morris of Georgia and Larie and David Person of Kalamazoo; a son-in-law, Craig vanMelle of Allegan, 7 grandchildren, Joshua and Amanda Morris and Nathan and Kristi Morris all of Georgia, Adam, Marissa and Amanda Person all of Kalamazoo, Bradley vanMelle of Maryland and Justin vanMelle of Allegan; 4 great grandchildren, Grant, Alec, Vincent and Amelia Morris; his sister, Lucille Ingalsbee of Plainwell, his brother, Marvin and Dottie Weston Brower of Allegan, 2 brothers-in-law, Morris Page of Allegan and Ronald Page of Florida; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ford, a daughter, Sena vanMelle, son, Bradley Brower, granddaughter, Amber vanMelle, both who died at infancy. Friends may meet with the family on Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be held on Friday at 1 pm. Pastor Raymond Mayhew will officiate. Interment Rowe Cemetery, Cheshire Twp. Memorials to the Wings of Hope Hospice or the Allegan County Medical Care Facility.