Sonny
June 15, 1934 – April 15, 2024
Otto W. Ernst, known as Sonny Ernst, very beloved and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at home in Monticello surrounded by his family. Sonny was the son of the late Otto and Esther Ernst of Liberty, and he was 89.
Sonny was a long-time member of the Sullivan County Conservation Club, the Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen Club, a member of the Squirrel’s Den hunting camp, the Southwoods Motocross Club, a former member of the Monticello Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and others. He had retired from Schmidt’s Wholesale. Sonny was an avid hunter and sportsman and encouraged conservation.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years: Lillian Messenger Ernst, at home; their children: Margaret (Peggy) Edwards of Monticello, Janie Ernst of Milton, DE, Sue Ernst Jahn of Monticello, and William Ernst of Katy, TX; his son-in-law: Thomas Edwards; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister: Joan Allison; and other family members.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be buried in the Messenger Cemetery in Monticello at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.
