Ernest “Ernie” Dean Nuce, age 80, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Lima, Ohio, after a brief illness. He was born on August 19th, 1945, in Brandon, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Agnes Genevieve Nuce. Ernest proudly served in the United States Air Force in the 60’s. He trained as a commercial driver and worked for many years as an over-the-road truck driver with Schindewolf Express of Sydney, Ohio. Despite driving all week, he loved to hit the road on weekends to find another adventure. He enjoyed the simple life at his farmhouse in Fort Jennings, Ohio. Ernie loved fishing, hunting, camping, riding his Goldwing, car shows, and playing euchre and poker with his friends.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Nuce of Eugene, OR; Warren Nuce of Hutchinson, KS; three sisters, RuthAnn Vernon, Linda Talbot, and Twana Villareal; and his former wife, Jean Marie Greer of Yucca Valley, CA.
Ernest is survived by 2 siblings, Will (Carla) Nuce of Wichita, KS and Gidget Paris, Hutchinson, KS along with his 8 children: Roger Nuce, Melissa Nuce (Rick) of Sanford, NC; DeAnna OFlaherty (Stephen) of Palm Coast, FL; Jacqueline Harrington of Senatobia, MS; Joshua Nuce (Leslie) of South Haven, MS; Cory Nuce (Wendy) of Fort Wayne, IN; Gavin Nuce of Yucca Valley, CA; and Erin Childs (Reginald) of Fountain Inn, SC. Ernie had a treasured relationship with the mother of his youngest child, Jeanne Burris Hasenkamp. He has many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
No services are planned. In place of flowers, please send donations to the Delphos Kiwanis Club.
