David Scribner Ernst, of Cascade, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 27, 2016 surrounded by his family after enjoying 88 years. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret Inman Ernst, children, Michael Ernst (Roxanne Iacarella) of Shrewsbury, MA, Chris Crandall (Steve) of Grand Rapids, and Randy Ernst of Traverse City, MI. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Michael Inman (Susan) of Chicago, Ted Inman (Sharon) of Cincinnati, Dennis Inamn of Grayling, Beth Lewandoski (Leonard) of Delaware and daughter-in-law Ruth Inman of Grand Rapids. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. His wife of 44 years Jessie Elizabeth (Betty Hunt) Ernst and his brothers Robert and Richard Ernst preceded him in death. Dave was born November 21, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI to DeGay and Esther (Atwood) Ernst. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1945 and joined the Merchant Marines. After his service he attended MSU where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and earned a varsity letter as the captain of the cheerleaders. He met and married Betty Hunt in 1950 and returned to Grand Rapids to raise his family. David was President of the Brookside School PTA and the most popular actor in the Brookside Follies. Along with his father and brother, Dave was a well-known Track and Field Starter and travelled to Drake University each year for the Drake Relays in the 60’s and 70’s. He was an avid Spartan fan, golfer, tennis player, handyman and fisherman. He became a salesman for Jostens and sold class rings, trophies and awards at high schools throughout Western Michigan. Later in life, he returned to school to become a math teacher, track and basketball coach at Saugatuck Junior High School. After the death of Betty, he met and married Margaret Inman in 1997 and they enjoyed an active and happy retirement, spending most winters playing golf and tennis in Southwest Florida near Fort Myers and Naples. David spent most summers since 1966 with his family at his cottage in McGregor Bay, Ontario where he was elected President of the McGregor Bay Association and loved fishing, boating, swimming, dining and laughing with many summer friends and enjoying all aspects of the area known as Rainbow Country. The family would like to thank his many caregivers and Spectrum Health Hospice. Visitation will be Friday 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. with a vigil service and time for sharing at 6:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E., Ada. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, Development Office – Memorial Fund, 2355 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4415 or Spectrum Health Hospice, 100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
