Earnest Church

Earnest Church, 93, of Chariton, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center. Earnest was born on May 4, 1920, to John and Sarah (Musgrove) Church in Chariton. He was the youngest of 12 children. Earnest was united in marriage to Nadine Proctor on February 7, 1941 in Princeton, Missouri. The two started their lives together in Iowa on the farm. They moved to Coeur d' Alene, Idaho with their 5 children where Earnest worked in the lumber industry. They moved back to Iowa so Earnest could continue his lifelong love of farming. Some of his joys were gardening and being outside as well as camping with his family. Earnest was baptized in May Church near Goshen. He remained a member of the church and enjoyed reading the Bible and western books. Survivors include four children: Nancy (Robert) McGee of Indianola, Connie (Paul) Prough of Chariton, Mary (Craig) Jeffries of Overland Park, Kansas, Billy (Jo) of Tolano, Illinois and daughter-in-law, Judy Church of Murray, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Nadine; son Loren Church; twin infant daughters: Joann and Jeanette and grandson Marc Church. He was also preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings: Mae Holcomb, Charlie Church, Merle Campbell, Elizabeth Miller, Edgar Church, Glenn Church, Frank Church, Nadine Church, Arthur Church, Clyde Church and Edna McVey. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Interment will be in Last Chance Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2014 at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be given to the Chariton Public Library or Last Chance Cemetery Repairs. Condolences may be shared at www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com