Washington County CPO dies
May 25, 2005
Submitted by Teresa Mays and Dan Beto
Ernest H. Gravatt, Chief Probation Officer in Washington County, died Tuesday May 24, 2005, following heart bypass surgery. A former teacher and businessman, Ernie had served as Chief Probation Officer for more than two decades.

In addition to the National Association of Probation Executives, Ernie held memberships in the American Correctional Association, American Probation and Parole Association, Indiana Chief Probation Officers Association, Indiana Association of Prevention Professionals, Midwest Gang Investigators Association, and the National Association of Forensic Counseling.  In addition, he was a board member of the Probation Officer Advisory Board for the Judicial Conference of Indiana.

During his community corrections career, he developed a number of innovative programs in Washington County and he was active in a number of community initiatives.  In 1993 Ernie was awarded the Order of Augustus, presented by the Probation Officers Advisory Board of the Judicial Conference of Indiana.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Dottie Rowe Gravatt, and a host of relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 28, 2005, at the Salem United Methodist Church.  Memorials may be made to the Washington County Family YMCA, 1709 North Shelby, Salem, Indiana 47167.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 28, 2005, at the Salem United Methodist Church, 202 East Market Street, Salem, Indiana.

View PDF of Louisville Courier-Journal article about Ernest Gravatt.