Letter: Remembering a man who had impact Columbus

From: Wilford Lutes

Columbus

On Sept. 9 at the Indiana Masonic Home Festival it was announced that the Masonic Home Board of Directors had voted to name the new Community Building in honor and in memory of Ernest Hancock Smith. The plaque with his picture was displayed, and it will be mounted on the building for future ages to know of his importance to the Indiana Masonic Home.

Ernie was well known in the Columbus community as he was a mail carrier for the Columbus post office on several different routes and was well-liked by co-workers and patrons on his routes.

After his retirement, he and his wife, Marylou, remained very active in various fraternal organizations. They moved to the Indiana Masonic Home due to Marylou’s health, and she passed away a short time after the move.

Ernie continued to be active in organizations in Columbus and Franklin and retained his health by continuing to walk each day as he did as a mail carrier. Ernie passed away during the last year in his 90s.