Ernest Patrick McDermott, the son of Ralph Henry and Edith Gertrude (Johnson) McDermott, was born on July 2, 1915 in Fremont Count, Fisher Township, Iowa and entered into rest on July 28, 2006 at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa. Ernest grew up and attended country schools in Fremont County

Later he attended Shenandoah High School and during that time, he hauled other kids to school to help pay for his gas and books. Ernest graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1933. After graduation times were hard and jobs were scarce. Ernest ran a dairy farm northeast of Shenandoah and also worked at Henry Fields seed house, plus he worked on some farms in Fremont County. Sometimes in the winter Ernest would work in Omaha at Cudahy Packing Plant. Later on he and his brother Jay McDermott farmed together until 1973. Ernest worked at the Shenandoah Broad Street School as a custodian from 1968-1981 and part time at the Shenandoah Lowell Street School from 1981-1986. After his retirement Ernest worked part time as custodian for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah.

From 1933-1973 Ernest made his home with his parents. Sundays' were always fun when many of the 26 nieces and nephews and their parents would gather at the McDermott home for dinner and visiting and of course Christmas was even more special when almost all of the family would gather. Visiting with his nieces and nephews was special for him.

On November 10, 1974 Ernest was united in marriage to Viola DeWitt Stotts at Omaha, Nebraska and they made their home in Shenandoah. After his retirement Ernest loved to garden. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1479, Shenandoah Elks Lodge 1122 and St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, three brother in laws, George Dinville, Tom Perkins and Dale King. Survivors include his wife Viola McDermott of Shenandoah, IA.; sisters, Lucille King of Humbolt, NE., Madalene Perkins of Tabor, IA., Irma Dinville of Randolph, IA., and Carol Catus of Ames, IA.; his brother James Ralph (J.R.) McDermott of Shenandoah, IA; numerous loving nieces and nephews and step children.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. Celebrant was Rev. Vern Smith. Jan Ludwig attended the memory register. Ushers were Mike Lonowski and Norbert Martin. Ben Fair and Hanna Fursa were altar servers. Bill Ludwig was lector for the service. Song leader was Jane Emge and organist was Mary Beth Gowing. Honorary casket bearers were Kenneth R. Stotts, Jr., James Stotts, Norman Fuller, Gene Catus, Leo Perkins and Robert Stanbrough. Casket bearers were Steve Dinville, Tom Dinville, Glen Catus, Bob Catus, Paul Perkins and John Perkins. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.