Ernest Wilson Passons, 94, of McMinnville died Sunday, Feb. 19 at NHC HealthCare in McMinnville. Ernest was born on Friday, Jan. 19, 1923 in White County to the late Dallas and Lola Bell (Wilson) Passons. Ernest was a farmer and a factory worker and was a member of Gath Baptist Church in McMinnville and was a ship welder during World War II. Surviving are daughters, Linda Lusk and husband Tommy of McMinnville, Faye Trapp and husband Jerry of McMinnville, Mary Ernestine West and husband Gary of McMinnville, and Elaine Wright and husband Wayne of Rock Island; two sisters Katherine Holland and husband Ronald of McMinnville, and Winona Boyd of Rock Island, special friend Edna Parker of Dalton Ga.; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of friends and his church family also survive.Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Willie Mai (Odineal) Passons of 53 years, two sisters, Charlene Felton, and Betty Smith Lee, one brother, Overton Passons.