John William Ernst of Holiday Island, Ark., was born June 19, 1931, in Platte County, Neb., son of Arnold and Bessie (Kershaw) Ernst. He departed this life Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 in Springdale, Ark., at age 85.
John graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1949. He joined the Navy and served on the USS Essex during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Kearney State Teacher’s College with a Masters Degree in Education, and also earned a six years Specialist Degree in Administration from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. After retirement he supervised student teachers from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He taught four years in the Monroe Public Schools and 32 years in the Columbus Public Schools.
John was of the Methodist faith. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Big Brother organization and was part of the Nebraska school system for 36 years and served on the board of the Nebraska Education Association.
John is survived by his wife, Bethel Ernst; two daughters, Connie Lynn Dooley and husband, Patrick, of Stuttgart, Ark., and Kimberly Eckardt and husband, Gregg, of Shawnee, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Tara Young, Sean Dooley, Erin Joines, Cameron Eckardt, Callahan Eckardt, Gracie Eckardt and Cahill Eckardt; two great-grandchildren, Jessica Young and Alissa Young; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends, family and loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Norma Voll and Yvonne Ratcliff; and brothers, Max Ernst, Gordon Ernst and Alvin Ernst.
A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at the Holiday Island Community Church in Holiday Island, Ark., with Pastor Jeff Timm officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association at 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, Circle of Life Hospice at 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2017