Richard Ernst

Richard Clay Ernst, 74, of Independence, MO, passed away, Sunday, August 10, 2014 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Saturday at the chapel. Donations may be made in his name to East Side Baptist Church. Richard was born January 24, 1940 in Bunceton, MO to Arthur and Lola (Scott) Ernst. He retired from Ronson Manufacturing in 2002. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fixing things and listening to country music. He proudly served in the US Army from 1963-69. He is survived by; his loving wife of 48 years, Grace E. Ernst of the home; 2 daughters, Sheryl L. Dowell and husband Michael of Oak Grove, MO and Jennifer K. Hon of Holden, MO. 2 brothers, Arthur Ernst of Overland Park, KS and Armon Ernst of Jefferson City, MO; 6 sisters, Helen D. Holliday of Prairie Home, MO, Hazel M. Brown of New Franklin, MO, Margaret L. Freiling of Boonville, MO, Phyllis A. Williams of Paola, KS, Maxine Overcast of Prairie Home, MO and Donna M. Gibson of Lee’s Summit, MO and 5 grandchildren, Elizabeth Andrews and husband Shawn, Hayley Hon, Allison Dowell, Peyton Hon and Rebecca Dowell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Lois Hundley. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816)373-3600)