A Celebration of Life service will be held:
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Center COGIC
3400 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226
Visiting time will begin at 9:00am with the service to immediately follow at 11:00am.
Burial with Military Funeral Honors Ceremony, December 12, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St, Marion, IN 46952’
May 29, 1946 – December 1, 2025
With heartfelt love and deep gratitude for his life, the family of Ernest Bartlett, Jr. announces his peaceful passing on December 1, 2025, at the age of 79. Ernest was surrounded by his devoted wife, Susan Ann Collins Arnold Bartlett, immediate family and the loved ones who walked with him through every season of his life.
Born on May 29, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Nannie and Ernest Bartlett, Sr., Ernest was one of six siblings who remained close throughout his life: Leta M. Sander, John L. Bartlett (Lillie), Darlene Stone (Steven), Dwaine Bartlett (Myrtle), and Alice Rush (Titus).
A proud father and grandfather, Ernest leaves behind a legacy carried forward by his children:
Tamra L. Christian (Bobby), Earlandous T. Bartlett (Lachon), Tarina M. Bartlett (Lyric), Byron C. Bartlett, Fred R. Richardson III, Tijuana Hitchings (Chris), and Tiffany N. Sondergaard (Thomas); along with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who adored him. Ernest loved each of them deeply and spoke often of the joy they brought into his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, LaSonda White.
A Life of Service, Strength, and Faith
Ernest was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War, carrying with him the honor, discipline, and loyalty that defined the Marines. His country, his community, and his family always knew him as a man who served with conviction.
Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieved the rank of Corporal, and served in Vietnam from May 10, 1966 to April 28, 1969. His courage and dedication were recognized with several distinguished honors, including a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2★, Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), and Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award).
After completing his Vietnam tour, Ernest transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on April 28, 1969, where he continued to serve faithfully until March 14, 1972.
Baptized as a young teen at the 10th Street Creek under the leadership of the Elder Bishop of Bishop Temple, Ernest’s spiritual journey began early and never ceased. In 1988, he was ordained into ministry in Gary, Indiana by William O’Blakley, a calling he accepted with humility and passion.
In his later years, even as he navigated significant health challenges during and after COVID, Ernest never stopped ministering to others. Whether through prayer, late-night phone calls, or quiet moments of encouragement, he always made time for anyone who needed spiritual guidance. His ministry was not confined to a pulpit, he ministered with his life, his words, and his heart.
Work, Community, and Brotherhood
Beyond ministry, Ernest served his community through his work at FedEx, and later through his meaningful service with the Indianapolis City School System, from which he retired.
He had a deep love for fellowship and brotherhood, especially through the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, where he found joy in both the open road and the opportunity to spread the gospel wherever he traveled. Those who rode with him knew Ernest as both a brother and a man of God.
A Life Filled with Joy, Music, and Connection
Ernest had a rare gift for connection. He remembered every name, every story, and every person he met. He enjoyed jazz and gospel music, loved to dance, and often shared his wisdom through the witty sayings that everyone around him cherished.
He delighted in the simple joys of life: hearing from family, swapping stories, and especially receiving garden photos from his sister, a tradition that always brightened his day.
Ernest’s favorite song, “I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord,” reflected exactly who he was: steadfast, faithful, and always ready to uplift others. His guiding scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14, remained a cornerstone of his life and ministry.
Ernest lived with purpose, loved without hesitation, and served with a heart rooted deeply in faith. His family will forever carry his laughter, his lessons, and his love.