Obituary of Earnest Keathley

Earnest Keathley was born on December 12, 1933 in East McDowell, Kentucky. He was one of ten children born the union of the late Emery Keathley and the late Mary Alice (Hamilton) Keathley. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1957.

Earnest married the love of his life, Diana (Rushlow) on July 14, 1958 in Clintwood, Virginia. From this union came the birth of their two daughters. To support his family, he worked as a sheet metal journey man for many years until he retired in 1985. He lived in West Branch, Michigan for 30 years and loved living there until he moved to Monroe in July of 2015. He received his spiritual nourishment from Church of Christ Monroe.

Earnest loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could hunting, fishing, gardening and being one with nature. He was very determined and would accomplish any project he would start and strived hard to reach his goals. He was also very witty and could make a joke out of anything. He loved to travel and has visited many places including Mount Rushmore and Washington D.C.

Above anything else, he was a family man. He enjoyed spending as much time with his family as he could. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Earnest Keathley, age 84, of Monroe, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 3:04 am at his home surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 59 years, Diana Keathley; his two daughters: Cynthia (Kendell) Hollifield of Brownstown and Lisa Koler of Madison, Alabama; his 5 grandchildren: Kevin (Jennifer) Hollifield, Kristen (Michael) LaBeau, Shane Koler, Troy Koler and Kade Koler; his brother: Charles (Brenda) Keathley; his sisters: Bonnnie (Burt) Jones and Phyllis Krimmel and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Monroe Church of Christ 3470 East Dunbar Road, Monroe, MI 48161 with Pastor Andre King to officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, MI 48162 (734) 384-5185.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.