Armon Leslie Ernst, age 84 years, of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 15, 1935 in Prairie Home, Mo., the son of Arthur and Lola (Scott) Ernst. He was married on February 23, 1957 in Kansas City, Mo. to Peggy Jo Lightner who survives at home.
A lifelong resident of Missouri, Armon was a 1953 graduate of Prairie Home High School. Following graduation he proudly served in the United States Army in Korea.
Armon later attended Kansas City Junior College in 1958 taking classes in engineering.
He was employed with Chesebrough-Ponds and its successor, Unilever, Inc. for 26 years as their maintenance manager. Even after retirement, he worked in the Unilever employee store for many years.
He was a man of faith, holding membership and volunteering at Capital West Christian Church in Jefferson City, Mo. since 2002. Armon also served as the President of the water board in St. Martins.
He cherished time with his family and loved them unconditionally. Armon always put them first in life: attending every event and celebration to cheer on family and more importantly, he was there to always tease with his unique sense of humor. He was also an avid sports fan, especially cheering for his grandchildren when they played sports and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Armon was always known for his hard work ethic and he could always be found working in his yard or fixing something for family members. During his free time, he loved to go bowling and fishing. He even bowled in the California senior citizen Wednesday league, bowling a game last month.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 62 years, Peggy Jo Ernst of Jefferson City, Mo.; one son, Joe Ernst (wife Tammy) of Madison, Alabama; one daughter, Diana Adrian of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Arthur Ernst (wife Jane) of Overland Park, Kansas; six sisters, Helen Holliday of California, Mo., Hazel Brown of New Franklin, Mo., Margaret Frieling of Boonville, Mo., Maxine Overcast of Madison, Alabama, Donna Gibson of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Phyllis Williams (husband Jim) of Paola, Kansas; three grandchildren, Damien Adrian (wife Brittney), Darius Adrian (wife Stacie), and Taylor Ernst,; two great-grandchildren Calvin Gooden and William Armon Adrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
Visitation will be held at Capital West Christian Church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Capital West Christian Church with Ken Harland and Mark Landis officiating. Graveside service and interment with military honors will be a private service at Pisgah Cemetery in Pisgah, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Capital West Christian Church, 1308 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.