Ernest Earl Kamm

Ernest “Ernie” Earl Kamm, 92, went home to the arms of Jesus on October 3, 2021, surrounded by his family. Ernie was born on June 23, 1929 to Fredrick and Matilda Kamm. Ernie was a graduate of Ben Davis High School. He had an extreme love of racing, and built and raced his own cars. He was known as Ernie “Crash” Kamm when he would race at the 16th Street Speedway. He enlisted into the US Army on June 11, 1946, where he earned the ranking of Corporal and served as Military Police. He was stationed in the territory that is now known as the state of Alaska. He was honorably discharged from his service to the country on May 10, 1948.

Ernie married the love of his life, Claudette, on August 6, 1955. Together, they had 3 children, Vickie, Judy, and Ernest J. Ernie was very involved in coaching his son’s sports teams, and helped to organize and start the Zionsville Youth Football League in 1970. Ernie worked for Western Electric/Ameritech, where he retired after 30 years of service.

Above all of Ernie’s accomplishments, his true joy was his family. Ernie and Claudette have a love that has withstood the test of time, and has been an example of true love for every generation to follow. Ernie loved to dance with his wife, and they often embarrassed their children and grandchildren by kissing in public (which has become one of the sweetest memories for the family). He deeply loved his children and their spouses, who always knew that they could count on him for anything. Vicki, Judy, Steve, Ernest J and Lora, learned how to sacrificially give their love to others through the hearts of Ernie and Claudette.

Ernie’s favorite title, however, was Papaw…and he wore it with such pride (and on so many shirts!). You would never not see him beam with happiness whenever his grandchildren were around. He never missed an event, a concert, or a game; if his grandchildren were involved, he wanted to make sure he was there and cheering them on. He was proud of every single one of his grandchildren, and their spouses, and always had an open door and open arms to run to whenever they needed shelter from any storm in life. Andrea, Jonathan, Terri, Kammeron, Erin, Chadd, Christianne, Robin, Abbigale and Noah are forever the apple of Papaw’s eye. The legacy of Papaw’s love will continue on through his great-grandchildren Caleb, Everly, Henry, Alexander and Maverick. It is the family’s mission that they will grow to know Papaw’s unending love and servant’s heart, and of course, his famous homemade-store-bought cookies.

Ernie was greeted in heaven by his parents, Fredrick and Matilda, and brothers Robert and Edward.

The family asks that in honor of their sweet Papaw, donations can be made to Lawrence Fire Station 37, 4902 N German Church Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235.
The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Westminster Village North. The family saw their outpouring of love when it was needed the most, and they are so thankful for the continued care and compassion for Claudette. And to Community Hospice for all of the tender and compassionate care. Jackie, Loren, Kelsie, Autumn, Lisa, Becca, Susan and Rob, your kindness cannot be matched.

Visitation will be from 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services, 5215 N. Shadeland Avenue, with a service to start at 2pm. Entombment to follow at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN.