Douglas Karl Ernest

Douglas "Doug" Ernest

Dec. 28, 1937 – Sept. 25, 2018

Doug Ernest went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at his home in Squirrel Valley, Calif.  He was born December 28, 1937, in Gardena, Calif., to Fred and Florence Ernest. On June 22, 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart Sandy Bedwell.  They raised four daughters: Karen, Cathy, Sharon and Laura. He was a machinist by trade working in various machine shops until he gained employment at Cal State University, Northridge, in the Science & Math Department doing Design & Fabrication.

At the age of 35, he committed his life totally to Jesus Christ. Not long after, the Lord called him into full time ministry. He received his AA Degree in Ministerial Studies at Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1983. From there, he went on to receive his BA Degree at Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., in 1984. He was ordained in 1986. For the next 16 years he became a full time pastor for the Church of the Nazarene serving in Palmdale, Calif., Lake Isabella, Calif.,  and Bishop, Calif., where he retired in June 2000. He relocated back to his home in Squirrel Valley, Calif. In his retirement years, he continued to do Pulpit Supply and teach adult Sunday School at Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene and other churches. Doug worked as a Security Officer at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.  He also served for 5 years with the Kern County Sheriff's Dept. as a volunteer with the Citizens Service Unit.

He had a passion for flying, riding his Harley Davidson, gold panning, yard sales, and spending time with his family and friends. He was known as a hard worker and continued to provide for his family until he was diagnosed at UCLA with a disease that no longer allowed him to speak or communicate in any way.

Doug was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Fred and sister Susan, and two grandsons, Daniel and Joshua.  He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, of 62 years; their four daughters, Karen, Cathy, Sharon, and Laura; sons-in-law, Fred, Tim, and Jim; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene marked "In memory of Doug Ernest -World Missions Fund."  The family would like to thank Optimal Hospice of Lake Isabella for their loving and compassionate care.