Ernest T. Withers, Jr.,79, of Woodstock, CT, died Saturday morning, January 2, 2010 at his home. Beloved  husband of Vernette E. (Ohs) Withers. He was born on January 30, 1930 in Chester, NY, son of Ernest and Elsie (Vaughan) Withers. The family moved to Woodstock,  in 1934.

Ernest graduated from Woodstock Academy in 1948. He worked on Taylor Farm for 6 years and then Linemaster Switch Corporation, retiring after 37 years. He was a long-time member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Woodstock, serving as a Trustee for many years.

He is survived by his wife Vernette and his children: Kevin (Leslye) of Woodstock; Brent of Charlestown, NH; G. Jeffrey of S. Acworth, NH; David of Woodstock; Natalie (Mark) Parker of Woodstock; Daniel of Woodstock; Michael of Chicago, IL; his brother William (Delores) of Port Richey, FL; sisters Viola Hull of Guilford, NY; Gwendolyn (Richard) Potter of Woodstock; Gladys Ekman of Woodstock; Marjorie Potter of Danielson; Dorothy Szarkowicz of Ballouville; Sally (Andrew) Hooker of Lubbock, TX, brother-in-law Lawrence (Marjorie) Ohs of Holden, MA, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Ernest's physician, Dr. Daniel O'Neill and Priscilla, Merrie, Diane, and Marsha of Masonicare Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, January 8, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Rd, Woodstock, CT. Burial will be in Central Cemetery in Woodstock, at a later date. Donations in Ernest's memory to Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 339 Flanders Rd., Suite 215, East Lyme, CT 06333 or Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Rd, Woodstock, CT 06281.  Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam. To Share a memory with his family “Light a Candle” at smithandwalkerfh.com