Ernest Alvey Truax

1947-2026

Ernest Alvey Truax, age 78, of Hancock, Md., passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Born Monday, September 22, 1947, in Amaranth, Pa., he was the son of the late Edgar Arthur (Art) and Edna Mae Wertz Truax.

Ernie was a 1965 graduate of Hancock High School.

He worked as a Surgical Technician and Sterile Processing Manager at Washington County Hospital. He was also a Supply Commander for the Army Reserve Unit of Hagerstown. He went on to be the Central Processing Manager at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a bailiff at the Washington County Circuit Court.

He was a member of the Hancock Fire Department, Hancock Rescue Squad, Washington County Fire Police and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

Ernie dedicated his life to serving his community and received awards from the Fire Department for Top Responder many times.

He was honored by Washington County People’s Choice award for serving the community for over fifty years. He received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from Johns Hopkins Hospital for excellence and service.

He left an impact on every life he touched and was an inspiration and mentor to many.

He is survived by his daughter Kathy Keefer; grandson Lucas Keefer; granddaughter-in-law Macie Crouse; grandson Riley Keefer; and great granddaughter Maezlynn Keefer.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Schlee Reed Truax; and two brothers, Roger Eugene Truax and Clifford Ray Truax.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., with three-hour prior visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hancock Church of God, 7528 Millstone Road, Hancock, MD 21750. Pastor Jeff Hawbaker officiated. Burial followed at Parkhead Cemetery, Big Pool, Md.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneralhome.net.