Ernest “Ernie” Southers, 87, of Madisonville, KY, died at 9:09 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014 in Springfield, IL. Ernie was born February 20, 1927 in Holden, WV, the son of Rev. Rhodes and Elsie Robinette Southers. He married Lou Jean Browning on January 7, 1949 in Whitman, WV; she preceded him in death in April, 1990. He later married Nona Mullins on October 27, 1990 in Whitman, WV.
Ernie earned his Associates Degree in Accounting from Marshall University in Huntington, WV and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was employed as Director of Purchasing for the Island Creek Coal Company until his retirement after over 40 years of service. He was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church in Madisonville, KY, Young at Heart Senior Group at First Baptist Church, MAGNETS (Madisonville Area Golf National Endurance Tour Society), ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Toastmasters. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and active in the Shriners. Ernie was also very involved with Habitat for Humanity and Walk to Emmaus. He enjoyed golf, travelling, and was an avid West Virginia Mountaineers and Marshall University Thundering Herd fan.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph Southers and step-grandchild, Micki Gore.
He is survived by his wife, Nona Southers of Madisonville, KY and Holden, WV; son, Ernie (wife, Sheri) Southers of Dixon, IL; daughter, Laura (husband, Chuck) Cossey of Springfield, IL; stepson, Chuck (wife, Mary Ann) Mullins of Holden, WV; two stepdaughters, Sue (husband, Larry) Wolford of Henlawson, WV and Cheryl (husband, Mike) Taylor of Whitman, WV; four grandchildren, Corey Southers, Major Nathan Baker USMC, Lindsey Katzman, and Mike Katzman; five step grandchildren, Shawn Wolford, Lesli McCoy, Bethany Mahone, Staci Johnson, and Jared Taylor; twelve step great-grandchildren; one step great-great-granddaughter; siblings, Lovell (wife, Betty) Southers of Lexington, SC, Alta Southers, Nancy Southers, and Mary Southers, all of Asheville, NC, Christine (husband, Kenny) Rollins of Holden, WV, and Donna (husband, Allen) Ezell of Apollo Beach, FL; six nieces; and two nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday October 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM at #21 Holden Memorial Church in Holden, WV with Rev. Carl Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV.
Friends may call on the family Friday October 17, 2014 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Honaker Funeral Home in Logan, WV and one hour prior to services on Saturday.