Terry Lee Earnst, age 74, of Vincennes, Indiana passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022 at his home, while in the company of family and friends. He was born on February 18, 1948 in Bridgeport, Illinois, the sixth son of John W. and Marjorie B. (Seed) Earnst. He grew up in Bridgeport, graduating from Bridgeport Township High School class of 1966, and drafted one year later into President Johnson’s great war machine. He served his Country honorably.
Specialist Five Earnst was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a “Combat Medic” in the United States Army with the 2nd Battalion, 17th Artillery Regiment for the 1st Calvary Association out of Camp Radcliff in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam in 1967-1968. He received the prestigious Army Accommodation metal for Meritorious Service for his dedication and bravery during the Tet Offensive and the Iron Triangle Campaign. He was discharged with full honors in 1969.
He soon met and fell in love with his soulmate, Janet Kay Foss. They married February 14, 1970, and built their lives together for 52 years. Out of this loving marriage, two sons were born, Daryl Lee Earnst, born August 27, 1971 and Anthony Alan “Tony” Earnst, born May 12, 1975.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Janet Kay of Vincennes, Indiana; children, Daryl L. and wife, Cassie R. (Bryant) of Arthur, Illinois and Anthony A. “Tony” and wife, Tina M. (Germany) of Vincennes, Indiana; four grandchildren, Jeffery L. Earnst of Driggs, Idaho, Alexandria R. Earnst of Arthur, Illinois, and twins: Holden X. and Julia E. Earnst of Vincennes, Indiana; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie M., Austin A., and Dallas J. Matthias of California; one brother, Thomas F. Earnst and wife, Lois (Lukens) of Bridgeport, Illinois; as well as many nieces and nephews. His family meant the world to him.
He is preceded by his parents, John W. and Marjorie B. Earnst and four brothers, John Earnst, Jr. and wife, Sharon B. (Chitwood), Edward R. Earnst and wives, Mary Jane (McNeil) and Betty (Morris), Ronnie L. Earnst and wife, Wanita (Bellinger), and William E. “Bill” Earnst and wife, Barbara S. (Chitwood).
Terry worked at Texaco Refinery in Lawrenceville for over 15 years as a Stillman on the Cat Cracker (FCCU or Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit), five years with the USI Chemical Company in Tuscola, Illinois, and was called back to start up the old Texaco Refinery under Indian Refining Limited Partnership. He helped close it down for the second time after five years of service. He then worked at WorkOne in Vincennes for 11 years, until he retired as a Veteran’s Representative.
Terry was a Past Commander of the American Legion Post #28 of Lawrenceville, Illinois 1974, and was a life member of the VFW and Disabled Veterans of America in Vincennes, Indiana. Terry earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Oakland City University with a 3.85 GPA, and inducted into the honorable Omicron Honor Society. He was a Master Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and life member of the Sword of Bunker Hill.
Terry was a published author and wrote his own Vietnam memoirs, “Some Called Me Doc”, but he often wrote funny short stories of growing up in poor town, rural America. “Marjorie’s Boys and Their Shenanigans” and “Memories from the Library of My Mind”, to mention a couple.
Terry was a proud member and Deacon at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Vincennes, and a God-fearing man.
Thus ends the earthly record of Terry L. Earnst. Everyone, whether great or small, has a role to play in life, we all have a unique and important role to fulfill. Terry reached the final chapter of his “Book of Life”, read it, closed the book, and filed it away in Heaven’s vast Library. He passed from this life into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ! He was summoned to sit on the right-hand side of the Grand Architect of the Universe and awarded his wings and the title, “The newest Angel in Heaven”.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 1:00 PM CDT at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM CDT at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery, with full military honors.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.