Ernest Clark Middleton

Posted

Ernest Clark Middleton was born Aug. 12, 1937 in Harlan County, Kentucky to parents Bryan Middleton and Betty (Turner) Middleton.  He passed away Jan. 14, 2015 in Winona, Missouri.  

Ernie married Joyce Pearl Wilson Aug. 2, 1968 and she preceded him in death by 25 days. Joyce passed away on Dec. 20, 2014 in Springfield, Missouri. He was also preceded in death by his father, Bryan Middleton; stepfather, Dave Creech; mother, Betty Creech; in-laws, Roy and Grace Wilson; and several other members of his beloved Wilson family in Missouri.

Ernie is survived by one brother, Walter (Milda) Middleton of Silver Creek, Washington; one sister, Cora (Richard) LaPorte of Kemmerer, Wyoming; two nephews, Rick LaPorte and Kevin Middleton; one niece, Lisa LaPorte; and several grandnieces and nephews.  He is also survived by the extended Wilson family, whose younger generations considered Ernie and Joyce as parents and grandparents.  Ernie was dearly loved by all of them.

As a child Ernie moved with his mother, stepfather and siblings to Washington, settling finally in the small town of Riffe.  Due to construction of the  Mossyrock Dam, the town of Riffe now lies under the waters of Riffe Lake.  Ernie attended Mossyrock High School in Mossyrock, Washington, leaving before graduation to join the U.S. Navy. His mother had to sign for him so he could enlist and he and Walt joined at the same time.  He completed his GED in the Navy by the time his class had graduated.  He spent six years serving as a U.S. Navy Second-Class Radio Operator.  Ernie enjoyed his duty station at Whidbey Island, Washington, where he was close to home.

Ernie owned and operated Eminence Oil Company for many years, where he and Joyce worked together in their filling station, auto parts store and oil company.  Ernie and Joyce owned Scenic Rivers Canoe Rental.  He served on the Eminence City Board for 35 years between 1980 and 2015.  Ernie was an alderman for 21 years and mayor of Eminence for 12 years.  He took his responsibilities as mayor seriously and worked hard for the benefit of the city.  Ernie was a 32nd Degree Mason belonging to the Eminence Lodge and was a member of the Eminence Assembly of God Church.

One interest developed early and persisted for many years.  Ernie loved cars and always had a fast one!  He was a “one-of-a-kind” husband, brother, uncle and friend.  Ernie will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 with interment at New Eminence Cemetery, in Eminence, Missouri.