On Sunday, September 8, 2019, Ernest Lawrence Gaddie, loving husband and devoted father of five children, 20 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren passed away peacefully at age 83 of natural causes in Mesa, Arizona.
Ernest was born on January 14, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Oliver Gaddie and Mary Ann Burke Gaddie. On June 17, 1955, he married Delite Hancock Gaddie in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They lovingly raised two sons, Glen and Reed, and three daughters, Kelly, Lora, and Lisa.
Ernest worked for the State of Arizona for 15 years as a licensed electrician and was known for his troubleshooting prowess and was sent all over the state of Arizona to fix challenging electrical issues. He later discovered that he had a passion for teaching, during the time he and Delite owned and operated John Hancock Academy in Mesa, AZ. During his 40 years of teaching, he taught youth how to solve difficult math equations with confidence. He owned both private and charter schools in Arizona and his school in Peoria was recognized as a Top 10 Charter School. He was known for seeking out the most challenging students to teach. Those students consistently outperformed the other youth in their grade level.
He also successfully taught adults college-level math classes at his own school, Mountain States Technical Institute in Phoenix, as a part of the college courses. Ernest enjoyed working hard and started up 7 schools that greatly benefited the lives of approximately 20,000 students in Arizona.
Ernest loved to teach the gospel to all ages about the Savior Jesus Christ and invited all to follow Him. He joyfully served 6 missions for his church. He enjoyed music, dancing, and playing his guitar. He created a family band that ultimately cut a record and competed on national television. He was a talented storyteller, just ask any of his grandchildren.
Above all he loved his wife, Delite. They were best of friends and deeply in love. He loved and cherished his children and grandchildren with all his heart, might, mind, and strength. He was known for his love of God, country, family, and friends. He was a friend to all who knew him. His infectious laugh, generous and compassionate spirit will be remembered by all.
Ernest was preceded in death by his father, Oliver, his mother MaryAnn, his sister Trudy, his wife Delite, and his son Reed. He is survived by four children, Glen, Kelly, Lora, and Lisa.
The viewing will be Friday, September 20, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 10 AM, preceded by a viewing at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, AZ 85204. Flowers or donations may be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
On behalf of Ernest Lawrence Gaddie and his Family, we want to thank Banner Hospice, Bunker’s Garden Chapel, the priests of Harris 2nd Ward for bringing sacrament to Ernest faithfully every Sunday, and his friends and family for their love and caring visits.
We honor and celebrate the inspiring life and legacy of Ernest Lawrence Gaddie.
One of many things i always remember Mr. Gaddie is standing in front of class
holding a book in his hand the book looked so small in his big hands, and reed and i asking him which one of school vans can we take to go run around, he was such a caring,peaceful,loving person so much more to be said.
What a gentle yet passionate and honorable man! He lived life loved and he loved life well. He always had time for me during the many years I worked at one of the family Charters. I would walk to the little room, where he would be waiting to tutor and care for the kids. He would lean back in an his chair, hands behind his head, big genuine grin and sometimes his feet were upon the desk. We greeted each other and chated. He was always interested and interesting. He gave the warmest side hugs. I missed this kind soul when he could no longer be there. Forever grateful for the many ways he shined with the love of Christ.
Mr. Gaddie taught me to think for myself, to believe in myself, and to set myself apart from the crowd. I am thankful. Dairy Queen, Big Surf and Reed Park. He always found a solution to every problem.
Want you to know that will always exist for he is a good and loves with all his heart true value of worth for report of fruitful works for Godand revive life and for to love to exist to exist for worthies love is and where worth and on time for report to heavens to excited to exist as the heaven give heath for love for what is the price of who we truly