In Loving Memory of Ernest Leroy Kimmey

 

Ernest Leroy Kimmey passed away at age 88, on November 29, 2020 in a hospital in his hometown of Colorado Springs, Colorado from breathing complications due to Covid-19. He was born on September 7, 1932 in Green (Fairborn), Ohio to Clifford and Opal Kimmey. He also grew up there and was the first in his family to graduate high school.  Ernest went on to serve his country by joining the Army.  After meeting his loving wife, Shirley Marie, at the skating rink in Springfield, Ohio, the two were later married on January 28, 1956.  He worked for Southwestern Cement Company for 38 years. When he wasn’t working or taking care of his family, he collected coins, baseball cards and key chains and loved to accompany his family members on activities and outdoor outings.

Ernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His most shining and beloved qualities were his never-ending generosity and his wonderful sense of humor. He was always giving support to all his family members in any and every way he could time and time again. He was always witty and funny and able to make light of a difficult situation. He endearingly was always doing silly things just to make us laugh. He was proud but humble, self-sacrificing but not resentful, and always did his best to be loving and kind.

Ernie had a lot of funny and interesting stories to tell about growing up in a very large family, which he was born into at the time of the depression. Life wasn’t always easy for them, but they made it work! His father was a train engineer at the same company he worked at. He loved his parents and brothers and sisters and his family dearly! He was a hard worker at his job. He took pride in a job well done and was well liked and respected at his workplace! He role modeled these ethics to his own children and grandkids as well. He was a devoted husband and his wife, Shirley was the love of his life. He was an involved father who always wanted a good life for his children and a better life for all his extended family which he worked at tirelessly! He was lovingly active in all our lives right till the end in spite of all the health issues that caused him to be in so much pain for so many years. He was ready to be free of that pain and we are thankful that he is, but even though he was ready to let go we weren’t ready to let him go! He was a huge presence in our lives and his loss has left a huge hole in our hearts. We will all miss him dearly!

Ernest Leroy Kimmey was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Clifford Kimmey; his brothers Bud, Charles, and Arthur; his sisters Evelyn and Doris; and his son-in-law James Allen Hall.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Marie Kimmey of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughter Melinda Sue Hall; his son Michael Allan Kimmey; his grandson Michael John Kimmey; his granddaughter Meagan Courtney Sokol and her husband Mark Sokol; his grandson Sean Patrick Hall; his great grandson Calvin Lee Kimmey; and his great granddaughter Alyssiana Nayele Rose Kimmey; his brother Richard Kimmey; his brother Herbert Kimmey; his sister Mary Jane Nieaber and her husband Charlie Nieaber; and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.