Ernest H. "Ernie" Van Vliet

Ernest H. “Ernie” Van Vliet, 81, passed away Friday, June 27, 2025 at his home in Princeton.  He was born September 25, 1943 in East St. Louis, IL. He was a retired Locomotive Engineer for the Norfolk Southern Railroad where he worked for 34 years. He attended school in Belleville, IL graduating from Belleville Township West High School, then attended Belleville Jr. College.

Ernie served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968. He was member of the American Legion Post 24 where he was a Past Commander, a member of the Forty & Eight, a former member of the Princeton Optimist Club, and member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Ernie enjoyed watching IU basketball, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and Indianapolis Colts football. He helped coach his kids in softball and baseball during their school years, enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and gardening.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Linda Van Vliet of Princeton; sons, Ernest B. “Ernie” Van Vliet of Princeton and Christopher S. “Chris “Van Vliet (Brittany) of Princeton; daughter, Lisa M. Alvis (Kent) of Wedowee, AL; grandchildren, Jace and Marley Van Vliet; sisters, Nancy Graves and Mary Jo Whitted (Bill) both of Florida, Joy Beck (Bill) and Penny Dahlberg  both of California; brother, Benny Reid (Tonya) of Wisconsin; special companion, his dog Cooper; and grand dogs, Jax, Beau and Briar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Walter R. Van Vliet and Mary (Starr) Van Vliet; biological father, Ernest Atchineson Reid and brother, Denny Reid.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate Ernie’s life at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Jenny White officiating. Burial will follow in the Columbia Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Retired Military Veterans will conduct military services at the graveside.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart-to-Heart Hospice located at 610 E Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47713. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared online at colvinfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to a say special thank you to the staff of Heart-to-Heart Hospice for the care they gave to Ernie and the family.  The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Ernie’s family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest H. "Ernie" Van Vliet, please visit our floral store.