Ernest C. “Ernie” Gwin
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Memorial services for Ernest C. “Ernie” Gwin, 73, Baldwin City, KS, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2022 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel in Eudora. Burial will follow at Eudora Cemetery. Ernest passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Medicalodges Eudora.
Ernie was born on May 3, 1949 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Ernest and Dorothy Gwin. He lived in St. Joe, Enid, OK, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Eudora, finally settling near Vinland.
He joined the Army after graduating from Eudora High School, serving two years in Germany. In 1972 he became a police officer for the Lawrence Police Department until he retired in December of 1998. He served as a member of the LPD SWAT Team and training officer to many recruits. He was a proud member of the Kansas Army National Guard until he retired at the rank of First Sergeant.
He and Deborah “Deb” Ehling married on August 17, 1991 in Lawrence. She survives of the home in rural Baldwin City. Other survivors include his daughter, Catherine Gwin, Astoria, NY and sister, Trudy Bowen, Eudora, KS.
Ernie was an avid weightlifter during his days as a police officer. He collected all kinds of knives, as well as firearms that he enjoyed shooting at his target range. He loved sharing how to shoot weapons safely and care for firearms. He loved watching action movies and professional wrestling. Recently, Ernie talked about how he had become a police officer and a soldier in order to help people. He loved his family, his friends, his church, and he so appreciated the kindness and caring of the residents and staff at Medicalodges Eudora where he lived for the last seven months of his life.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ernest’s name to Eudora Baptist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
So sorry to hear about Ernie I worked with him for years on the department in the 90s. Worked out with him for years. He was such a great guy. Condolences
Deepest sympathy to the family of Ernie. He was a fine man and friend to so many. May God bless you with many wonderful memories. The Thatcher Family, Tom and Dee Jerome
I have known Ernie for more than thirty years and can’t think of a better friend or better police officer or NCO in the Kansas National Guard. May He bless you Ernie, you have left behind a lot of friends.
To the Family of Ernie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of great sadness. May GOD bless and comfort all you in the days and weeks to come. May HE replace the sadness with joyful memories.
You were an Awesome Friend to many of US, Rest In Peace Brother.
Ernie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of such a loss. I loved going to the FOP lodge as a child when he was there. He was funny and kind. I appreciated him greatly when he helped me with a dog that I had to rehome many years ago. He gave this dog a home that I had found and put me at ease. I hope you rest well my friend. Blessings to your family as they go through this loss. xoxo Tracy Rose
Ernie was a fine officer and a great mentor to many young LPD officers. RIP Ernie.
My leader, mentor, and friend. You will be missed Ernie. Condolences to your family and friends. Godspeed 1SG, Godspeed Ernie, Godspeed my friend.
So sorry for this. Ernie was one of my Platoon Sgts when I was the commander of Echo Company. Great leader and soldier. Rest In Peace brother…
1SG Ernie Gwin was more than a Soldier. He was a Soldiers Soldier. He knew and lived the NCO creed like no other! I met him as I joined Company E, 2/137th Infantry as a young 1LT. I soon transitioned to multiple other positions, returning to be the commander. As other commanders have attested, 1SG Gwin was superb! It was a privilege to serve with him and call him a friend! God bless you brother!!! I’ll never forget you…
Ernie was one of my training officers at LPD and later we served together on patrol. A great man who always treated people fairly and was well-respected by his peers. I still remember the proud day he told me he was going to be a father and the excitement that gleamed across his face. Rest easy L80, you are now Home.
Ernie was a true gentleman always wanting to help people. I worked with Ernie for over 20 years at LPD. Always smiled or a wave as he past the front office. You will be misse. Love and comfort to the family.
Like many others have said on this page; Ernie was my mentor and friend! He made a lasting impression on me and other NCO’s in the guard, showing us what leading men was all about. I learned things from him, which not only helped my military career, but my civilian career. I met him in 1986 when I was a young solder, and were maintained a life-long working relationship and friendship; until his last days. I think my fondest memories are of his constant drive to make soldiers better and ready for the NEXT level; leading their own troops. I took vacations and get-aways with him, and that was always an adventure. I miss you already. I’m relieved that your pain is gone. Thank you for everything. SF
Rest in peace, Ernie!! You will be missed!!!
Sad to learn of Ernie’s passing. A very good man and officer. I had the fortune to know and work with him at LPD. Wishing peace upon the family.
Ernie and I were friends for many years. We went to school together at Eudora. We had a lot of memories from back then. I will never forget them. I had visited him often at Medical Lodge and we talked about the Good Old Days. He was a great friend and I will never forget him. I visited with Trudy often at Medical Lodge with Ernie. Let his family know I am praying for them.
Deb.. thinking of you and your daughter…always seemed like a great gentleman!
Trudy we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Your family is in our thought and prays. May God comfort you at this time. The Breithaupt’s and Basel”s
I worked with Ernie at LPD. He was a great friend and co-worker. He will be missed by everyone that had contact with him. So sorry for you and yours.
David was in the National Guard with Ernie. We had so much fun with him and he was a great guy. Our hearts go out to you Deb and Katie. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. My thoughts are with you and Cate.
Ernie’s desire to help others better themselves spanned all ages of recipients. I have a fond memory of Ernie giving of his time to train a large roomful of teenage girls, daughters of Deb’s staff, in the finer techniques of self-defense. He left that night with bruised shins and arms, but our girls walked away better equipped to protect themselves should the need arise. He was a quiet caring person who I know will be missed. Prayers are with you Deb, Cate, and family
In January 1991, I began working @ the LPD and Ernie took me under his wing and became my mentor and a very special and dear friend that has spanned over the past 30+ years. He was always a gentleman, always teaching & offering to help others. He was always so organized! So tidy, he was quite impressive. And….he was quite funny, loved to tell jokes and pull practical jokes on his peers. We sure had some unbelievable experiences working patrol together…..we always had each other’s back. He was a better shot, always was no matter how hard I tried on the range he always came out with a higher score! After we both left the LPD in the late 90’s, we met often to either workout, have lunch, celebrate birthdays, go to a movie or just hang out. I can still hear him greeting me as I arrived to meet up with him….”hey girl!” He always loved talking about Deb , Cate & Trudy and of course his close buds Stu Ford & Gary Browne. During one of our most recent lunch outings in late 2021, Ernie was quite excited that Deb would soon be retiring and they were going to go back to Germany and maybe do some RV’ing adventures. It is truly unfortunate of the timing of his passing but we all know Ernie will live on thru each and everyone of us so let’s keep his amazing spirit & legacy going and make him proud! From L-117 to L -80, thank you for always watching out for me and being such a wonderful friend. I miss you so much. SL
Ernie was such a nice man, and his unmistakable laugh could fill a room. May God bless him, his memory and family. Teleserve would never be the same when Ernie retired.
Sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. He was a great person and a wonderful friend. He will be dearly missed.
Just learned of “Butch’s” passing. I call him Butch because that’s what he went by in our family. His Aunt Peggy Horner was my aunt, also. She married my mothers brother, Art Horner. I spent a lot of time with Butch and Trudy back in the day. We had some fun times but like so many times…as we grow older, we lose contact with each other. I send my condolences to his wife and daughter. He was fun to be around as a kid and after reading all the great things that was said about him..I’m sure he was a wonderful and great man as an adult. I am a cousin to Ronnie, A.D., Earl Dean and Tony Horner. Sharon (Rose) Phares of Enid OK