WILLIAM BILL ERNST Col. William (Bill) Ernst, a long-time resident of Mililani, passed away on December 5, 2024 at the age of 91. He was born in 1933 to Irene and Alfred Ernst in Flushing, New York where he spent his childhood. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Trudy, his daughter Linda, and his brother Bob. He is survived by his two sons Tim and Steven, by seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Bill attended The Citadel military academy, then joined the Air Force in 1955, where he served as an officer for thirty-one years. For most of his career he flew KC-135 tankers. He took four deployments to the Vietnam War, including one year-long tour commanding the Forward Air Controller squadron "Rustics" in the OV-10, directing close air support, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After retiring from the Air Force, he flew as a pilot with Aloha Airlines for ten years. In retirement, Bill and Trudy enjoyed Scuba diving and collecting sea shells and were proud members of the Hawaii Malacological Society. Bill passed well-loved and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. An interment memorial service will be held on February 18, 2025 at 8:30 am at the Punchbowl, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (2177 Puowaina Dr.).