Ernest "PaPa" Theodore Schilling

Ernest “Papa” Theodore Schilling, 96, of Gulf Breeze FL, passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in Pensacola, FL. Ernest Schilling was born in San Antonio, TX to Arthur Lee and Octavia Martha Schilling on March 29, 1922. He married Thelma Elizabeth Barum, on March 4, 1947 in San Antonio, TX. He worked two full careers in his lifetime, fulfilling his passion for aviation working on Naval aircraft and flying and serving as Crew Chief on Air Force aircraft. He volunteered for Military service at the outbreak of WWII as an airman in the Army Air Corps (later the Air Force). He retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant with 22 years, 6 months, and 20 days of combined active duty and reserve service spanning almost 40 years. While a Reservist, he was also a Government Civilian Employee serving as an Aircraft Line Foreman at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) at NAS Pensacola. He retired from his Civil Service career with 40 years and 9 months of service. He was an Air Force Veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and was awarded the Air Medal and Korean War Medal. Ernest was loved by everyone with whom he came in contact. He enjoyed telling stories of his Air Force career and was always more than happy to discuss his Dallas Cowboys with anyone. In his early 80s, he began a hobby building subscale model aircraft. He built models of every aircraft that he ever flew on or serviced, and was still building models at the age of 96. He will be greatly missed this holiday season especially, as everyone knows his favorite part of Thanksgiving was watching the Cowboys play after Thanksgiving dinner with a cup of coffee in hand. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Elmer Freeman Schilling, his sister Betty Lou McKay, his daughter Diane Montgomery, and the love of his life and wife of nearly 67 years, Thelma Elizabeth Schilling. Ernest is survived by three children, Carol Weeks (and husband Kirk) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Robert Schilling of Milton, FL, and Linda DiCiolla (and husband Joseph) of Owassa, OK. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, four great grandchildren, cousin Mary Louise Galloway, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Joseph DiCiolla Jr, John Schilling, Korey Weeks, Van Weeks, Jared Fair, and Tony Cochenour. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 25th at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, November 26th at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with Monsignor Hunt of St Ann Catholic Church of Gulf Breeze officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery Pavilion at 2:00 PM with full military honors. In leiu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504. Ernest’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to his caregivers at The Blake/Beacon at Gulf Breeze and The Arbors of Gulf Breeze where he lived for the past five years as well as the Intensive Care Unit and Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital where he spent his final days. Papa will be loved, missed and forever in our hearts. Fly High !!! FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Ernest "PaPa" Theodore Schilling

March 29, 1922 - November 20, 2018