Submitted by
Vicki Ebert

Ernest O. Haller Jr.

Ernest O. Haller Jr. was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Muskogee, Okla., to Ernest O. Haller Sr. and JoAnn Haller. Ernie passed away Oct. 30, 2002, from complications of pneumonia and Alzheimer's.

Ernest grew up in Oklahoma City. He attended and graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore and was a member of the Honor Society. He furthered his education by attending Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University and Oklahoma City University. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Pershing Rifles.

He served in the Air Force in World War II as a pilot and flight instructor. During his tour of duty, he served overseas in the China, Burma, and India Theater, where he flew DC-3's on supply missions over "the Hump" in the effort to stop the Japanese invasion of China. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Battle Star, EBI medal, W.W.II Victory medal and Asiatic Pacific medal with one battle star. He retired from the Air Force on June 11, 1946.

After the war, Ernie worked for J.C. Penney Co. and in 1956, he moved his family from Oklahoma City to Ponca City where he operated his own business, "Harter's," a ready-to-wear women's clothing store. He became active in civic affairs, and served as the director of the Kiwanis, Chairman of the Retail Trade Committee, Chairman of the Downtown Retail Committee, Director of the Parking Committee, Chairman of the March of Dimes, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder. He was listed in "Who's Who" in the South and Southwest and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion, Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge.

In 1987, after retiring and selling Harter's, Ernest and his lovely wife moved to Daytona Beach, Fla., where he enjoyed fishing, volunteering, and playing cards. He returned to Oklahoma City in May of 2000 when his health started to decline. Ernest was living at Grace Living Center with Maxine at the time of his death.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maxine Haller, his daughter, Nancy A. Haller, son, Rick Haller, granddaughter Angie and her husband Scott Tabarango, grandsons Eric Ring, Aaron Breckenridge, and David M. Haller and two great-grandchildren, Jeremy Tabarango and EJ Ring.

His youngest daughter, Karen Haller-White, precedes him in death. He wanted his friends and loved ones to know this upon his death:

Do not stand by my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am a diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star-shine at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry;

I am not there...I did not die.

(Anonymous)

In lieu of flowers, please place donations to the Alzheimer's Association. We would also like to thank Mission Hospice of Oklahoma City for all of their love and support and for making dad's transition as peaceful as possible.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, under direction of Guardian West Funeral Home, 5820 NW 41, Oklahoma City.