Earnest V. Armstrong

Earnest Vernon Armstrong, age 97, of Yakima died at home with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. He was born in Columbus, Kansas October 7, 1917 to the late Thomas V. Armstrong and Gertie Bonham Armstrong. On June 1, 1940, he married Mary Irene Markham. They were married 72 years.

 Earnest and Mary moved from Payette, Idaho to Longview, WA about a year later. They had their children there. In 1944 Earnest was drafted into the Army, and was sent overseas. He served honorably in the US Army as an engineer in Europe. During his military career, he achieved the rank of Tech 4 Sergeant. He had some great adventures that included building a plywood Jeep, landing in Wales to avoid the German U-boats, going into France, and guarding German prisoners. After the war he was able to see Hitler’s “Eagles Nest.” He was proud of his service.

 After the war, he returned to Longview. He worked as a lumber grader until an older worker told him that he should get into the trades. He took ICC courses and became an electrical engineer. He was a journeyman electrician after that. He worked for several companies before he retired from Hanford.

 He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary. He is survived by his daughter, Cheri Campbell (Mac); son, Earnest Markham Armstrong (Maryellen); 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He will be missed by all. He will be remembered by those who knew him for always having fun.

 Visitation will be 1:00-5:00 pm Monday, June 29, 2015 at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee). Graveside Service will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Tahoma Cemetery with Military Honors (1802 Tahoma Ave., Yakima). Those attending should meet at the cemetery. Online condolences to the family can be left at www.brooksidefhc.com.

 Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory.

Earnest joined IBEW Local 970 in November 1952 and retired in October 1982.