Robert “Bob” Marion Ernst passed away on Nov. 7 after courageously enduring a series of chronic illnesses.
Born in New Orleans, Mr. Ernst lived there for much of his life before moving to Knoxville in 2001. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen Jablonski Ernst; his children, Katie, Rob (Michelle), Mike (Sherri), Blaise (Monica), Rebecca (Todd Nicholson), Daniel, and Kristian (Korey); and stepchildren Rick (Sharon) Galpal, and Michelle (Danny) Meek;. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Opa,” include Maeve, Lily, and Roan Doody, Bailey (Jacob) Escobar, Peyton, Madison, Reilly, Michael Jr., Megan Powers (Chris), Morgan (Greta), Maggie, Madelyn, Kristian, Celia, Lydia, Victor, Vincent, London, Oaklyn, Shauna Bollinger, and Sierra Bollinger; and great-grandson Morgan Ernst Jr. Also, his brothers, Lawrence (Shelly) and Carl (Linda), and countless nieces and nephews
Mr. Ernst was preceded in death by his grandson Vader; his infant daughter, Maria Theresa; his parents, Amelda Manzella Ernst and Adolph H. Ernst; and his brothers Adolph and Weldon.
Mr. Ernst was a prolific storyteller and served his country with honor as a decorated Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Ernst was celebrated on Nov. 19 at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Burial with full military honors followed the Mass at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
Donations in Mr. Ernst’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and All Saints Church, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 37923, causes close to Mr. Ernst’s heart.