Ernest Jefferson Cargould

Ernest "Ernie" Jefferson Cargould passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on November 6, 1945, to Milan and Freda Cargould, Ernie lived a life defined by quiet strength, independence, and a steady, stoic rebellion that shaped everything he did.

Ernie graduated from Hudson High School, where his determination and grit made him an accomplished wrestler. He went on to attend Ohio University and later spent a year at Capital Law School.

He began his career as a teacher at New Albany High School, where he was known for being fair, direct, and steady. He later built a successful career as an insurance litigation manager at Ohio Casualty, drawing on both his practical judgment and legal education.

In his early adult years, Ernie enjoyed time on the family farm in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Those years were filled with hard work and simple traditions-pig roasts, 4-H horse shows, softball and family.

Later in life, with his wife Kathy, Ernie enjoyed vacationing in Cancun, traveling and sharing countless dinners filled with laughter and good conversation with friends, creating many more cherished memories.

Ernie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to host Christmas Eve and looked forward to it year-round. Everyone received carefully chosen gifts from a man that sometimes seemed like he wasn't listening. His gifts showed you he was and he cared.

In the summer, he and Frank gathered their families in southern Ohio and mixed guns, alcohol and 4 wheelers for the kind of freedom that our forefathers gave their lives for and his relatives will never forget. 😊

On those 4th of July weekends, Ernie led the pyro crew who lit off fireworks with the freedom Ernie wouldn't be denied. It was a great joy of his to delight the crowds with the blast of gunpowder and lights exploding above. He didn't necessarily want to sit and talk to strangers, but he wanted to give them something to remember in a way that suited him-and them. He succeeded.

Above all, Ernie was a storyteller. He loved sharing stories with his family-nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren-tales of adventure, humor, and life lived fully on his own terms. Those stories will be remembered and retold for years to come.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Kathy; his brother and lifelong best friend, Frank (Lainie) Cargould; his son, Tim (Sheryl) Prichard; his daughters, Lisa and Lana (Brandon), whom he shared with his former wife, Connie Cargould; his stepchildren, Phil (Shannon), David (Chris), John (Nichol), and Gina (Brian); his grandchildren, Carly (David), Taylor, Adam, Paxton, and Luke; and his step-grandchildren, Brianne, Sarah, Joe, Paige, and Ava. He is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews: Ronalee (Phil), parents of Josefine and Jordan; Mac (Trisha), parents of Cody and Hunter; Maria, parent of Dylan and Clay; Fritz (Kim), parents of Brooks and Elle; Casey (Andy), Chad (Carrie), Todd (Amy), Laura, Doug, Chris, Brittany, and Heather, along with their families, and special family friends Barb & Rich, Bob, Arturo, and many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milan and Freda Cargould, his special cousin Donny (Eileen), and his lifelong friend Les Dingledine.

Ernie will be remembered for his quiet defiance, steady presence, and the stories that kept his spirit alive in everyone who knew him. We will miss him forever!

Funeral will be held at Anthony Funeral Home located at 247 Stow Avenue Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. The viewing will be on Saturday, 6/27/26 from 9:30am to 11:00am with the memorial service at 11:00am. Graveside service to follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens at noon. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to St. Jude Chidren's Research Hospital can be made in his name.