Ernest C. “Ernie” Gwin

Memorial services for Ernest C. “Ernie” Gwin, 73, Baldwin City, KS, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2022 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel in Eudora.  Burial will follow at Eudora Cemetery.  Ernest passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Medicalodges Eudora.

Ernie was born on May 3, 1949 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Ernest and Dorothy Gwin.  He lived in St. Joe, Enid, OK, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Eudora, finally settling near Vinland.

He joined the Army after graduating from Eudora High School, serving two years in Germany.  In 1972 he became a police officer for the Lawrence Police Department until he retired in December of 1998.  He served as a member of the LPD SWAT Team and training officer to many recruits.  He was a proud member of the Kansas Army National Guard until he retired at the rank of First Sergeant.

He and Deborah “Deb” Ehling married on August 17, 1991 in Lawrence.  She survives of the home in rural Baldwin City.  Other survivors include his daughter, Catherine Gwin, Astoria, NY and sister, Trudy Bowen, Eudora, KS.

Ernie was an avid weightlifter during his days as a police officer.  He collected all kinds of knives, as well as firearms that he enjoyed shooting at his target range.  He loved sharing how to shoot weapons safely and care for firearms.  He loved watching action movies and professional wrestling.  Recently, Ernie talked about how he had become a police officer and a soldier in order to help people.  He loved his family, his friends, his church, and he so appreciated the kindness and caring of the residents and staff at Medicalodges Eudora where he lived for the last seven months of his life.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ernest’s name to Eudora Baptist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 ^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.