Laton "Ernie" Ernest Mahan

Ernie was born January 25th, 1947, in Peoria to Sylvester and June (Ford) Mahan. He married Mary Ellen Kerker on February 15th, 1969, in Peoria. She survives along with two sons: Dennis (Gretchen) Mahan along with their two children, Gabriel and Helena of Mapleton, Chris Mahan of Peoria, and one daughter, Jill (Chuck) Mathes along with their three children, Haydn, Faith, and Brody of Tremont. Ernie is also survived by his siblings Ken Mahan of St. Louis, two sisters: Sue (Scott) Bitcon of Arizona, and Carol Young of Peoria, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Ernie was a proud United States Marine veteran who served in Vietnam. He worked in Force Reconnaissance from 1966–1968, causing him to be exposed to Agent Orange, which would affect him later in his life. He proudly claimed himself as a soldier and did not let this stop him from helping others and his community until the ripe age of 74. His passion for helping others followed him into his jobs in human services including being a police benevolent, an EMT, a volunteer firefighter for the Northern Tazewell Fire Department, and a court-appointed children’s advocate through CASA. He also volunteered at different organizations such as the Friendship House, Meals on Wheels, and SEAPCO, an educational system for children with special needs. Ernie also served on the Knights of Columbus and in Alhambra. Following his time in the military, he worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for over thirty years retiring in 2002 as a Line Foreman.

Overall, Ernie’s greatest accomplishment was his wife and family. He took great pride in his grandchildren, whom he spoiled often, and his children whom he cared for deeply as he watched them grow.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Ernie’s life will be on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. The visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the Mausoleum. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

You may view Ernie’s obituary online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/illinois/peoria/davison-fulton-woolsey-wilton-funeral-home/4137