Roberts Co., TX - Obits: Ernest Dee Lard ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Diane Richards USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** Miami Chief News - July 31 1975 ERNEST DEE LARD SUCCUMBS at 79 Ernest Dee Lard, a member of a pioneer family in Taft, died recently in his home after a long illness. He was 79. Lard, who was cited by the Taft Kiwanis Club as the Senior Citizen of the Month last September, resided in the oldest home in Taft, a large two-story home moved there from Beeville in 1903. He was a retired electrical contractor, and during his lifetime donated his time and materials to install wiring in the Khiva Hut and other similar buildings. He was also a volunteer instructor in the Taft Junior Rifle Culb. Lard was a native of Miami [Texas] and had moved to Taft in 1921. He was a member of the First Christain Church of Miami and a veteran of World War I. He was also a member of The American Legion. Private graveside services, conducted by Rev. John Taylor, were held in Taft Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons, James and Max Schmidt, Hal Sanders, Charlie B. Owen, John Messer and Scott Morris. He is survived by his wife, Dale of Taft; one daughter, Madge Lard Schmidt, Taft; three grandsons, William A. Schmidt,II, James D. Schmidt, both of Taft, and August M. Schmidt, III of Uvalde; one granddaughter, Mary Jane Schmidt of Taft; i=one grreat-granddaughter, Dana Lyn Schmidt of Uvalde; and three sisters, Mrs. Alpha L. Tolbert of Miami, Mrs. Bonnie L. Maulsby of Truth of Consequences, N. M., and Mrs Ina Crowe of Wimberly. Additional Comments: Ernest Dee Lard was the son of James David Lard and Blanch Walstad, a Texas Panhandle pioneer family. He was a 1912 graduate of Miami High, married Dale Anderson, and was an avid collector of clocks and irons. He was somewhat the local history buff for Taft.