Donald D. Ernst

Donald D. Ernst, age 86, a lifelong resident of Richmond, died Friday, February 8, 2013 and went to heaven to join the love of his life, Lois Elaine Royster Ernst, who preceded him in death on October 23, 1996. He was born September 22, 1926 in Richmond to the late Joseph C. and Leocadia (Faber) Ernst. He graduated from De La Salle High School in 1944 and joined the armed services where he served in the Pacific theatre as a P-61 Black Widow navigator with the 418th Night Fighter Squadron. When he returned to Michigan, he enrolled in the University of Detroit and was awarded his bachelors degree in accounting from Walsh College. On October 1, 1949, Don celebrated the most important day of his life when he married his soul mate, Lois. Don owned and operated J. C. Ernst Equipment Company of Richmond and Almont and was a proud Ford tractor dealer. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus Richmond Council 2667, the Lions Club, and the V-8 hunting club. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting up north, fishing in Florida, and watching the Detroit Lions. He is survived by his children, Dr. David (Dr. Ann Marie) Ernst, Dr. Thomas (Cathy) Ernst, Victoria (Leonard) Schweiger, Julie Chapman; ten grandchildren, David Patrick, Nicholas, and Alex Ernst, Danielle (Chris ) Krause, Stacey Schweiger, Lauren (Brian) Prior, Erica (Marc) Oswald, and Nicole, Marc (Breann), and Eric Chapman; eight great-grandchildren, Cole, Patrick, and Kennedy Prior, Kyle Krause, Ethan, Ryan, and Ava Oswald, Baye Chapman; and sisters Marcella Karmon and Mary Cassidy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph; three sisters, Dolores, Lorraine, and Florence. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Richmond. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm. Pallbearers are David Patrick, Nicholas, and Alex Ernst, Marc and Eric Chapman, and Marc Oswald. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Richmond, Michigan. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Service

FEB 14. 10:00 AM (EST)

St. Augustine Catholic Church
68035 Main Street
Richmond, MI