Ernest (Jr.) Hafner

Ernest (Jr.) Hafner, age 85, died Thursday, November 23, 2023 at his care givers Elkton, Florida residence.

Ernest was born and raised in Samsula, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. His parents, Ernest and Mary Luznar Hafner, were farmers as well as him and his brother. 

Ernest would then go into the United States Air Force for 4 years where he was stationed in Tampa, Florida. He applied for a position at Sherwood Medical the day he was honorably discharged from the Air Force where he worked 40 years before retiring.

Ernest loved flying, hunting and fishing. He also loved farming, growing plants, and had a small orange grove.

Ernest graduated High School and did whatever schooling was required of him for his position in the Air Force. He did take some college courses but I am not sure if he has a degree in anything. Ernest was however a pilot and had a license to fly different planes which he loved.

He believed in God but did not attend any church. Growing up they were farmers and had to work. There was no time for church as he would say. His adult life he worked at Sherwood and also ran the families chicken farm business. Ernest was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He was involved with the Elk’s Lodge in New Smyrna Beach along with my Mother where he became and served as Exhaulted Ruler just as his Dad did.

Survivors include his daughter, Christina (fiancé, Kevin Kirk) Hafner; two sisters, Patricia Dillon and Elizabeth Smith; three grandchildren, Blandin Samrov, Codi Butler, and Alecia (Andrew) Duane; great grandchildren, Waylon Samrov, Jackson Samrov, and TJ Price.  Also survived by a large extended family; and former daughter-in-law, Michelle Fields Williams. Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Dillon Hafner; son, Steve Hafner, and daughter, Lorraine Heil.

Special thank you to his loving and helpful sister, Patricia for all that she did.

The family suggest donations to the Haven Hospice, 4200 NW  90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606.

There will be no service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest (Jr.) Hafner, please visit our floral store.