Jon Kyle Ernest

Jon Kyle Ernest, 62, passed away on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, surrounded by his wife and children, who were with him the last several days of his life, a beautiful time for everyone.

Kyle was born on Jan. 26, 1957, to Russell Dale Ernest and Virginia Lee (Armstrong) Ernest as the youngest of four brothers. He was born in Evansville, Indiana and raised in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He graduated Mt. Carmel High School where he played football in 1975, and graduated from Wabash Valley Community College in 1977. While at Wabash Valley Community College, he was the chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa. Kyle would continue his education and graduate from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Geology in 1980.

As luck would have it, while at Wabash Valley Community College, Kyle met the love of his life, Shelly Ann Schofield, with whom he enjoyed 42 years of marriage and together and raised four wonderful children. He loved and cherished each one of them.

Kyle was practicing as a geologist from 1980-87 when he joined the United States Air Force where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Summer of 1987. He was stationed in San Angelo, Texas, at the 17th Training Group’s Air Force Intelligence School at Goodfellow Air Force Base where he served as an active duty Air Force Intelligence Officer from 1987-94. Kyle continued to serve his country as a contractor in various defense contracting roles, collectively supporting his nation and military for 30 years.

In addition to his distinguished career and government service, Kyle was a visionary with an undying entrepreneurial spirit. From creating games for his children, he found a manufacturer that would release a similar game a few years later. His final business passion was Rich City Coasters Coffee Company.

Kyle tackled each idea with dedication, commitment, and bravery. The spirit of entrepreneurship and creating a better world is his legacy that he leaves to his children, colleagues, and fellow man.

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 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.

Kyle was preceded in death by his father, Russell Dale Ernest.

He is survived by his wife, Shelly Ernest; his dearest loving mother, Virginia Lee Ernest; children, Aaron Ernest (Jose Gonzalez), Adam Ernest (Katie), Alison Ernest (Candice Walling), and Austin Ernest (Erick Bledsoe); brothers Stephen H. Ernest (Shirley), Stanton D. Ernest (Peggy), and Kevin A. Ernest (Janice); along with his canine companions and best friends, Otis, Duke, and Earl Ernest.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. at Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111.