Ernest (Skeeter) W. Panneton passed peacefully on June 9, at Care Dimensions, Danvers, MA. Ernie was the devoted husband of his loving wife, Helga (Brandes) Panneton of Bremerhaven, Germany, who he met during his service to our Country. The couple enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

Born in Salem, he was the son of Maurice A. and Elizabeth (Lowery) Panneton. Ernie graduated from St. Mary's High School, Lynn, MA, Class of 1959. A leftie quarterback in high school, he also played semi-pro football for the Lynn Knights and later while in the military. Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he met Helga while stationed in Germany. Following his service, Ernie began his professional career as an Investigator with Equifax. He later founded S&H Services, a licensed Private Detective firm, serving as President and CEO for over 25 years, where he proudly worked with his three sons.

Ernie and Helga enjoyed many quality years at their summer home in South Dennis, MA and eventually retired on the Cape before recently returning to Salem. Ernie was an avid golfer and had great pleasure participating in golf leagues (AOH and Sports Haven) at Salem Municipal Golf Course as well as regularly playing at The Highlands and Dennis Pines golf courses on Cape Cod. He was very proud of his Hole-In-One at "Muni". Ernie spent his spare time playing pinochle, whist, and cribbage with friends and family. Above all, Ernie was especially proud of being "Opa" to his five granddaughters.

Loving father of Michael R. Panneton and his wife Lauri of Salem; John P. Panneton and his wife Patricia of Salem; and Jeffrey B. Panneton and his wife Debra of Peabody. Beloved grandfather of Katherine (and her fiancé Noah Smith), Jaclyn, Kaelin, Alana and Samantha Panneton. He is survived by his brothers, Ret. U.S.M.C. Lt. Col. John A. Panneton and his wife Alice of Virginia Beach, VA, and Robert P. Panneton and his wife Anne of Danvers, MA; brother-in-law Werner Brandes of Germany; and sister-in-law Suzanne Panneton of Virginia Beach, VA; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Trainor and uncle Rev Paul E. Panneton.

Visiting hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal Street, Salem, on Tuesday June 15th from 4 PM to 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held privately per the family's request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice. For more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com.