Ernest Hampton Breeden

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA UPDATE: A celebration of life for Ernest H. Breeden will be Sunday, March 22, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Gypsy Hill Place (Wintergarden) 300 Churchville Ave. Staunton. For info call (540) 255-8706. Ernest Hampton Breeden left this life for the next on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 20, 1924 the only child of Ernest A. & Virgie (Eades) Breeden. He is survived by his lifetime sweetheart, Cary Jean (Collins) Breeden. They were married April 5, 1944 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He is also survived by his daughter Sherrie Jean Breeden, her husband David L. Schwartz, & his grandson Florin C. Breeden of Fishersville. He was a 1941 graduate of Lane High School & served during WWII in the Army Air Corp & Air Force. He returned to Charlottesville after the war & resumed his studies at the University of VA graduating in 1951. He worked for State Farm Insurance Co. at the Eastern Regional office from 1952 until his retirement in 1982 as Underwriting Specialist. He enjoyed returning to State Farm for several years as a consultant & visiting with former co-workers. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sleigh riding & most especially golf. After retirement he worked to improve his golf game & spent many happy hours on the golf course. He especially enjoyed teaching Florin how to putt well. He was formally a member of Farmington Country Club, Rivanna Rifle & Pistol Club, & First Presbyterian Church. He loved his family & was always willing & able to lend a helping hand when anyone needed it. He never met a stranger and was a true gentleman & loyal friend. As a child growing up in the shadow of Monticello, one of his fondest memories was his many cold & thrilling rides down the mountain on his trusty Flexible Flyer which also survives him. He was a proud Eagle Scout, & his hard earned badge sash & medals are now treasured by his family. Even in the past few years with failing health, he still had his sense of humor & easy smile, which we will all miss greatly. We all hope that heaven has a snowy mountain & his angel wings will get him safely down for many more rides. We love you Hampton, Hambone, Ernest, Ernie, Daddy, Daddy Kukai, Mr. Breeden, man of many names & friend to all. The family wants to thank the entire staff of Shenandoah Nursing & Rehab, Fishersville, VA for their extraordinary & compassionate care. We also thank Hospice of the Shenandoah for their services. We would love for anyone who wishes to consider donating to the charity of his or her choice in his memory. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Gypsy Hill Place (Winter Garden), 300 Churchville Avenue, Staunton. Those with questions or those who would like to RSVP, may call Sherrie Breeden at 540-255-8706.