Ernest J McCauley, 93, of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Otterbein in Lebanon. Born on January 11, 1932 to Louis Earl and Ethel Irene (nee: Snell) McCauley in Loveland, OH.

Preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Telitha (nee: Wyrick) McCauley, daughter Cynthia Ann Howard, brother Ronald McCauley, sister Lilla Frances McCauley. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hepp McCauley, her daughters Jenny (Chad) Flaig and Jody (David) Gerhardt, her son Todd (Ann Hepp), Ernie's son Jeff (Winona) McCauley, his son-in-law, Michael Howard, six grandchildren, Ben (Cassie) Howard, Sarah (Bobby Runion) McCauley, Talitha Howard, Samantha (Zach) McCauley-Payton, Peter Howard and Laura McCauley, and six great-grandchildren, Abby, Annie Kate, Mac, Reggie, Eliza and Allie.

Growing up on a small plot of farmland near Loveland in the midst of the Great Depression, Ernie's family earned a living primarily from growing vegetables and raising livestock. They did not have indoor plumbing except for the pitcher pump at the kitchen sink, they heated & cooked with a small coal stove and didn't own a vehicle until after Ernie had graduated from Kings High School.

Ernie was the first in his family to go to University, working his way through THE Ohio State University to achieve a B.S. in Agriculture in 1954. He recalled eating bologna sandwiches or peanut butter while struggling to afford school and also be able to send some money home. He loved his college years and was a fervent, lifelong Buckeye fan. After graduation from OSU in 1954, Ernie joined the United States Army, 3rd Armored Division, where he qualified as a Sharpshooter with his M1 Rifle, no doubt a skill learned from shooting rabbits and squirrels to help supplement the family dinner table.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he married Telitha, held down a variety of jobs while studying engineering at night school at the University of Cincinnati and ultimately hired on at the Aircraft Engine Division at General Electric in Evendale. Ernie was a true engineer in so many ways but he never lost his love for farming. In 1969 he bought 6 acres north of Mason where he and Telitha raised their children, planted flourishing vegetable gardens, built a home, barn and pond, where family, friends and grandchildren played and romped over the years. He retired from GE after 35 years, having worked the final few years in the test cell correlation division, a job which provided him with the opportunity to travel both in the US and around the world.

After a wonderful 49 years of marriage, Ernie's beloved wife Telitha passed away in 2005. At church he met Marilyn Hepp, recently widowed, and they were happily married for 19 years. Ernie loved to travel and he and Marilyn were able to enjoy many trips both in the U.S. and overseas. Their families were blessed by their long relationship, and they greatly enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ernie was an active and devoted member of the Lebanon Presbyterian Church, where he served the Lord in many ways including as Elder and Lay pastor for many years and where he developed many deep friendships. He also was a member of the Genealogical Society of Warren County, which became a passion, and he ultimately discovered that his family was one of the first families in Warren County.

Visitation, Monday December 1, 2025 from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM with a service immediately following at 1:00 PM at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church. Reverend Jeff Moore and Reverend Randy Fannin officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.