Ernest "Ernie" C. Kerlin, 58, a resident of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at his residence. He was born on October 20, 1967, to Linda Lee Craft in Grant County, Indiana.

Ernie was a 1986 graduate of Oak Hill High School and worked as a truck driver for H & S Metals. He was a member of the Wabash Moose Lodge #1195 and the Wabash Eagles Lodge #549. Ernie was a giver. He helped anyone in the community that he could, and every person he met he considered them a friend. Ernie especially loved his Ford trucks. 

Ernie is survived by his companion of 12 years, Mikki Bishop of Wabash, Indiana; stepson, Nick (Kayla) Stefanatos of Wabash, Indiana; stepdaughters, Tiffany (Max) Shenefield of Wabash, Indiana, Drew (Mason) Siddall of Roann, Indiana, Megan Bishop of Wabash, Indiana, and Amanda (Nathan) Shively of Bunker Hill, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Ernie is preceded in death by his mother, one brother, Allen Craft, and sister, Frances Mathis. 

Visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. A private family burial will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana. 

Preferred memorials may be made to Wabash Moose Lodge #1195 Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, 169 E. Market Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Ernest "Ernie" Kerlin's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com