Ernest Frederick “Ernie” Tillman, 93, of Alma, died Friday, May 8, 2026, at his home. Born Feb. 10, 1933, in Manhattan, N.Y., he was the son of the late Ernest Louis Tillman and Marie Agnes (Slattery) Tillman.

Ernie joined the United States Air Force in April of 1951.

On Aug. 6, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church, he married Hildegard Emilie “Susie” Kramer.

Ernie and Susie lived in various states and the country of Spain during his service. Ernie retired from the USAF as Master Sergeant in June of 1976.

He lived in Alma for 50 years where he was a business owner.

Ernie was a member of Tieman-Blackburn American Legion Post 478, Corder VFW Post 4288, and Trinity Lutheran Church Survivors include two daughters: Christine Mason (Edward) of Fort Myers, Fla., and Lisé Camp (Doug) of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; one stepbrother, Kenneth Stern of Fallbrook Calif.; and his primary caregiver for many years, Holly Bredehoeft.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Susie; and one half-sister, Katherine Buonocore.

Memorial services were held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma with Pastor Bernard Ross officiating. Burial with military rites followed in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Patriot Cruise and Salute (for veterans and their caregivers) in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com