Leland Gale Ernest

ERNEST, Leland Gale  Age 81 years, died January 11, 2005 at his home on Miller Rd., Lennon. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Friday, January 14, 2005 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. John Clifton officiating. Interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Vernon. Visitation will be held 12-9 PM Thursday and 11 AM until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family. Leland was born on September 15, 1923 in Lansing to father, George and mother, Fern (Winn) Ernest. His father was born in Nevada, OH and his mother was born in Lansing, MI. The family lived on James St. in Flint and in 1937; they bought a farm on Miller Road in Lennon. They raised chickens and sold apples from a large orchard. Leland attended school on Swartz Creek. He was introduced to Phyllis Marie Blanchard, of Swartz Creek by Virginia Barnett. Virginia became wife to Lelands brother, Merlin. Phyllis lived with her mother, Sarah and her father, Glenn on Morrish Rd. Glenn was a blacksmith. Leland and Phyllis were married on December 21, 1942 in the parsonage at the Flint Church of the Nazarene. Leland was trained to be an electrician by his father, George. Leland, his father, George, brother, Merlin and uncle, James formed C & W Electric Co. Leland retired from the company after suffering a heart attack in 1966. Phyllis retired after 20 years as a bookkeeper and office manager for Durand Concrete Products. Leland was also trained as a plumber and carpenter. He was also a book binder and artist. Leland and Phyllis built their own home on land given to them by his parents. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 65 years. In 1945, daughter, Cathy Marie was born, in 1948, daughter, Shari Leigh was born, in 1952, son, Ricky Duane was born, in 1954, son, Randy Gale was born and in 1961, son Kelley Jay was born. In 1969, Leland became manager of the Capitol Theatre in Flint. Later he would be manager of the Genesee Valley Twin Theatres. Leland loved watching movies and liked history, especially the Civil War. His older brother, Wendell died in infancy in 1921. His father died in 1963, his mother died in 1981, his brother Merlin died in 1987 and his sister-in-law died in 1997. His beloved and cherished wife of almost 50 years died in 1991. Surviving are: two daughters, Cathy and husband, Fred Harris of Durand, Shari and husband, Jim Schuyler of Durand; three sons, Ricky of Lennon, Randy of Lennon, Kelley and wife, Lisa of Utah; grandchildren, Kevin Harris of NV, Becky Bailey of England, Tommy Schuyler of Durand, Andy Harris of Swartz Creek, Tammy Schuyler of Swartz Creek, Heather McCarter of Flint, Kyrie, Caitlyn, and Madison Ernest of Utah; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Jennie, Jakob, Tyler and Hailey; friend, Jason. Friends may share an online condolence or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.