[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5544-H5545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ERNEST ``ERNIE'' WILLIAM MEASE

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable life and 
legacy of an American hero and gentleman, Ernest ``Ernie'' William 
Mease, who recently passed away at the strong age of 99.
  A proud Navy veteran, Ernie served our Nation with distinction from 
1943 to 1946 during World War II, including at the Battle of Leyte 
Gulf, the largest naval battle of the war.
  For his bravery, he was decorated with the Philippine Liberation 
Medal.
  After his honorable service, Ernie, a man of his word, built a life 
of dedication to our Toledo community in northwest Ohio as a real 
estate developer and a tireless advocate of American Legion Toledo Post 
335. The post marked its 100th anniversary with a ceremony at the 
Toledo Club earlier this year, and I had the great privilege of 
presenting Ernie with a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in the 
post's honor.
  Ernie was more than a veteran and businessman. He was a devoted 
husband and father, a friend of hundreds, and a treasured community 
builder in our community intergenerationally.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Joyce; 
their children, Melissa and David; his brother, Norman; and all who 
loved him.
  Today, we honor in America's Congressional Record his memory and his 
contributions to liberty as one member of the most unselfish 
generation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record an 
article from The Blade.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.

                    [From THE BLADE, Sept. 17, 2024]

Ernest William Mease: Retired Real Estate Developer Fought in the Navy 
                            in World War II

                            (By Mike Sigov)

       Ernest W. ``Ernie'' Mease, a retired real estate developer 
     and Navy veteran of World War II, died Wednesday at Hospice 
     of Northwest Ohio on South Detroit Avenue. He was 99.
       He died of aspiration pneumonia, his wife of 54 years, 
     Joyce Mease, said, noting that he lived 46 years after 
     suffering a massive heart attack at age 53.
       Mr. Mease was a machinist's mate on a Navy tank-landing 
     ship during the October, 1944, Battle of Leyte Gulf in the 
     Philippines, the largest naval battle of World War II, and 
     was proud of his military service, Mrs. Mease said.
       Decorated with the Philippine Liberation Medal for his part 
     in the battle, he was a longtime member of American Legion 
     Toledo Post 335, including years as the post commander, the 
     position he held in retirement until 2023.
       In May, the past commander received an American flag from 
     U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) during the post's 
     centennial celebration at the Toledo Club downtown. Prior to 
     the event, the flag Ms. Kaptur presented had flown over the 
     U.S. Capitol at her request.
       ``I am very proud, very proud, and surprised,'' he told The 
     Blade after the award ceremony.
       The retired real estate developer served in the Navy from 
     1943 until 1946, when he was honorably discharged with the 
     rank of petty officer 2nd class.
       He retired in 1990 after at least 30 years as an 
     independent real estate developer. He built, renovated, and 
     leased out apartments and houses in Toledo and Bowling Green.
       ``He was a fair and honest landlord and he had a great 
     reputation,'' Mrs. Mease said. ``He was admired for being 
     smart, reliable, and articulate.''
       Born May 1, 1925, in Washington to Eva and Ralph Mease, he 
     graduated from high school before joining the Navy.
       Following his honorable discharge, he used the GI Bill to 
     attend Lehigh University, where he graduated with a 
     bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering before getting 
     hired by Toledo's former Haughton Elevator Co. to supervise 
     elevator installations in Philadelphia.
       Mr. Mease was later transferred to Toledo, where he 
     continued as a mechanics' supervisor for the company until 
     going into the real estate business.

[[Page H5545]]

       In his free time, he enjoyed boating. He also worked out 
     daily.
       ``He was a terrific guy,'' Mrs. Mease said. ``He enjoyed 
     life and life enjoyed him.''
       Along with American Legion Toledo Post 335, he was a member 
     of Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post 479.
       He was preceded in death by a twin sister.
       Along with his wife, Joyce Mease, he is survived by his 
     daughter, Melissa Mease; a son, David Mease; and brother, 
     Norman Mease.
       Services will begin at noon Tuesday in Toledo Memorial 
     Park, immediately followed by military honors.
       Arrangements are by Walter Funeral Home.

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