Jon Kyle Ernest
Jan. 26, 1957 – Oct. 4, 2019
Jon Kyle Ernest, born January 26th, 1957 to Russell Dale Ernest & Virginia Lee (Armstrong) Ernest in Evansville, Indiana and raised in Mt Carmel, Illinois.
In Mt Carmel, Kyle grew up with a love for Baseball, a passion he shared with his children later in life. Kyle has also been an avid Football fan from a young age, from playing with the Mt Carmel Golden Aces in the 1974 Illinois State High School Football Championship Game to enjoying Virginia Tech Football with his wife and children. He was proud that Mt. Carmel recently honored numerous teams’ contribution to 100 years of Mt. Carmel Golden Aces Football.
Kyle is the youngest of four brothers and is survived by his brothers and their spouses Stephen H. Ernest (Shirley Ernest), Stanton D. Ernest (Peggy Ernest), and Kevin A. Ernest (Janice Ernest).
Kyle graduated Mt Carmel High School in 1975 and Wabash Valley Community College in 1977. While at Wabash Valley Community College, Kyle was the Chapter President of Phi Theta Kappa. As luck would have it, also while at WVC, Kyle met the love of his life, Shelly Ann Schofield, with whom he enjoyed over 42 years of marriage and together raised four wonderful children. He loved and cherished each of them.
Kyle also went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a B. A. Geology in 1980.
After graduation, Shelly and Kyle returned to Mt. Carmel to make their home. Kyle was a practicing geologist from 1980-1987 when he joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Summer of 1987 through Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) commissioning source.
Following graduation from Air Force Officer Training School Kyle was stationed in San Angelo, Texas at the 17th Training Group’s Air Force Intelligence School, Goodfellow AFB. After completion of intelligence school as an Imagery Intelligence Officer, he was assigned to Offutt AFB in Nebraska, first to the 544th Intelligence Exploration Squadron within the 544th Strategic Intelligence Wing. He later moved to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, serving within HQ SAC / INYS.
Following the de-commissioning of the Strategic Air Command in 1994, Kyle was assigned to HQ Air Combat Command on Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, where he concluded over a seven-year Active Duty service.
Kyle went on to serve his country as a contractor in various defense contracting roles, collectively serving his nation and supporting the military for 30 years.
In addition to his distinguished career in government service, Kyle was a visionary with an undying entrepreneurial spirit, from creating games for his children, only to find that a manufacturer would release a similar game a few years later, to his final business passion Rich City Roasters Coffee Company. Kyle tackled each idea with dedication, commitment, and bravery. This spirit of entrepreneurship and creating a better world is his legacy that he leaves to his children, his colleagues, and to his fellow man.
Kyle and Shelly are the proud parents of Aaron Ernest (Jose Gonzalez), Adam Ernest (Katie Ernest), Alison Ernest (Candice Walling), and Austin Ernest (Erick Bledsoe). Kyle is also survived by his canine companions and best friends Otis, Duke, and Earl Ernest.
Kyle was preceded in death by his father Russell Dale Ernest and is survived by his wife Shelly Ernest, his dearest loving mother Virginia Lee (Armstrong) Ernest, his children and brothers. Each of Shelly’s and Kyle’s children were with him the last several days of his life, a beautiful time for everyone.
One of Kyle’s final wishes was for everyone to be themselves and enjoy the life they chose to live, while letting others do the same. One of his favorite sayings was “fill your hearts with love and kindness” … that’s really not asking too much of anyone.
Kyle was a true family man and time spent with his wife and children is what he valued most of all. He enjoyed each community he lived within but found that New Kent County was especially dear to both he and his wife. The New Kent Community embraced Kyle and he genuinely appreciated that relationship.
Kyle was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. May he rest in peace and watch over all that he loved.
A Memorial Service will be held November 5th at 2:00 pm at Fairfield Presbyterian Church 6930 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. The service is open to the public.
I met Kyle at the New Kent Farmers Market as a fellow vendor. He always had a smile on his face and generously offered “sample” tasts of his coffee for free……. but they were always a full cup. From what I read here, that is how he lived his life.
My husband and I met Kyle at the New Kent Farmers market. Our booths were side by side and we would look forward every sat morning to his cheery smile and amazing aromas coming from his coffees. He was such a genuine guy. He will be missed greatly at market by his market family. We are all so saddened by his passing. Rest easy
My cousin Kyle was always so much fun to be around. One time when he was around 13 he was visiting us and we had gone to the city pool. He played like he was one of the life guards and made a whistle sound just like the life guards whistle. He pointed at teenager and said “Your out of here”. The poor child looked at him and exited the pool. They never knew he wasn’t a life guard. That’s just a few of the many pranks he did. He was so full of life and humor. Even though he was miles away from my family and I , he was close to my heart. We will miss you Kyle. Keep everyone in heaven in line especially my Mom and Dad.
Sending sympathy and prayers for the family.
Ernest Fam – I love you guys so much and I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. My heart just goes out to your family.
Erin
So sad to hear about this. What a great person and closely knit family. My family had the pleasure of getting to know Kyle, Shelly and kids in Germany when we were all stationed there together. Lotta great beer, wine and Fests then and looking back those were wonderful times. He was a great and fun person who brought a lot to those whose lives he and the rest of the family touched.
shellie and kids ,im so sorry for your loss. love you all.
The world has been a better place because of him. His laughter and joy was contagious to all who knew him. May God bless his family, friends and all who are missing him. Our prayer is for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Much love, your niece, Kristin
Kyle and I met at the New Kent Farmers Market. As a fellow vendor, he was a staple at the market. I enjoyed how he educated me about coffee. Early on in the season, I told him that as a coffee fan, I’d like to purchase from him one day. The last market that we worked together, last month, I finally made good on that promise. He was so professional, knowledgeable, and proud of his products. I feel blessed that our paths crossed. He will be dearly missed. May his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he was liked and appreciated by many.
So very sorry for your loss. May God’s grace and your memories give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
I am still in a state of shock over our loss of Kyle. Being the eldest cousin in the Armstrong family I am 16yrs older than Kyle, so we never ran in the same group of cousins. However I had the pleasure of staying with Kyle and his two brothers when his parents went to Ohio to visit their oldest son in college…What an experience that was as Kyle was quite the prankster…Loved him so much and was so blessed to talk with him a month or so before his passing…Shelly and kids I am so very sorry for you loss and send prayers of comfort and peace to you all…Your husband/father was such a blessing to all who knew him…love to you all. Lynn
Kyle and I met years ago while working together at Adroit and later SRA. His kindness and caring for those who worked for and with him was always so evident. My heart goes out to Shelly and the entire family. You were always the first thing he spoke of every day – he loved you all so much and was forever bragging about all of your accomplishments. I haven’t seen Kyle for a few years and was so surprised by this news. He was such a presence – it’s hard to believe he is gone from this world. Please know you are all in my prayers.
Dear Shelly and Family, I am so deeply sorry to hear of Kyle’s passing. Know that I am praying for all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of Kyle’s passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Kyle and I became best friends starting in 1997. I returned from Germany working for SAIC. Kyle was managing the SAIC work at Air Combat Command.
Over the years we got closer, always talking about the family.
Being 67 jve never met anyone more dedicated to loving his family.
Pete
Like my eldest sister, Lynn Evans Cox, there was quite a difference between my and Kyle’s ages. But since I visited Illinois every summer when growing up (I’m in Texas), I had the pleasure and privilege to get to know Kyle and his brothers. Indeed, they all treated me as if I was the “youngest” brother which really meant a lot to me. I really looked forward to those annual trips to Illinois and Mt. Carmel. Kyle actually taught me how to shoot a BB gun, spending the better part of a day showing me how to aim while breathing properly. He took great pains to make sure I did it correctly and was successful in hitting whatever target he had created for me. He even gave me the air rifle afterward. Kept that rifle for at least another 20 years. But that was just how Kyle was; always helping and giving to others! Kyle will always be a steadfast fixture in my memory. God Bless you, Kyle. And may God Bless and comfort you and your family, Shelly.
So long it seems since my Dad’s passing. I was never un the right frame of mind to go back and read all the comments. The loss was too close and to much my own then. It brings a smile to my face to read of your memory of him and how he touched you throughout your life as well. I THANK YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY MARK! I don’t know if this message will ever find you but I truly hope it does. I’d love to know more about you and yours and any other little memories you have. I pray you are well and that you have a happy new year!
Kyle was the best Uncle any Nephew could want! When I was young Kyle was there when I was climbing kitchen counters to reach a glass. I fell with the glass in my hand and had multiple cuts on my hand. He was there for me then. Every time I look at these scars I think of Uncle Kyle. He was great at everything he attempted. He was an All American football player in high school. He was a great family man, but also a patriot that served his country with honor. The world was a better place because he existed. I love you Kyle!
Thank you for every wonderful memory, Uncle Kyle. I love you so much. Your niece, Miriam
It was such a pleasure to work for Kyle at SRA, I enjoyed my six years there in part to Kyle and how we had such a family atmosphere. We stayed in touch after our contract ended and he was always happy to chat and see how life was going.
Kyle will surely be missed by so many of us. RIP
Jennifer and I are so deeply saddened. As a coworker and friend, I could always rely on Kyle whenever I needed help, whether with a project or some mundane chore that he was always so willing to help with. I came to trust his judgment and wisdom as well and his advice was always so well thought out and helpful. We first met back in 1994 during our days standing up the 30th IS. He was a great guy, and after a 25-year relationship, I know my life will never be the same without him. I could never find a better and more caring friend. He has left me with so many wonderful memories and I will cherish them forever. To Shelly and family, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. And to Kyle … RIP brother.
Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude for being allowed to have had our paths cross. I have always called Kyle my “coffee guy” and he would just smile. I remember when he first shared his business with me and I asked Kyle if he would present at our Board of Supervisors meeting and his eyes lit up as he said yes. I enjoyed Saturday morning chats which I shall treasure and miss. Peace and love to Shelly and family.
So sad to hear of Kyle’s passing. I hadn’t seen him for years but served with him at the AF Contingency Airborne Reconnaissance ground station. He provided great support and leadership and, as evidenced by the preceding comments, did so with his usual humor and charm. The world is a dimmer place without him, but his memory persists.
Dave and I are remembering Kyle today and talking about how much fun we all had in the “old” neighborhood. We still miss him so much – he was Daves’s best friend.❤️