Kevin J. Ernst

West Leyden- Kevin J. Ernst, 68, formerly of Osceola Road, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville. Kevin was born in Boonville, on August 17, 1950, a son of Lyndon H. and Mary Drain Ernst. He grew up on the Osceola Road, near West Leyden, attended West Leyden Central School, where he graduated with the Class of 1968. While in high school, Kevin excelled in playing baseball; a sport he greatly enjoyed from playing on west Leyden Little League and he also enjoyed playing basketball while in high school. After high school, Kevin furthered his education attending and graduating from the Powelson Business College of Syracuse, earning a degree in business management and accounting. Kevin was employed at Camden Wire Co., and he operated the Salmon River Inn in Osceola, until he was badly injured in an automobile accident in 1971. He was hospitalized for over a year following the accident and after that, Mr. Ernst enrolled in Utica College of Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor degree in Human Relations and Psychology. Kevin was employed as a Social Worker for Oneida County. He greatly enjoyed fishing and he directed the construction of the remodeled Rome Fish Hatchery to be handicap accessible, where he caught the first fish off the handicapped fishing area during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Kevin possessed the ability to brighten the environment wherever he was; he was a beacon of hope and happiness to the other residents and staff at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Kevin was always watching out for the betterment and welfare of others. His presence will be truly missed at Sunset. He was an avid New York Yankee Baseball fan and a fan of the Buffalo Bills Football Team. He was a brilliant card player and organized the Tuesday Card Club at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. In addition to his mother, Jane, West Leyden, Kevin is survived by four brothers, Kenneth L. Ernst, Forestport, Christian J. Ernst, West Leyden, Charles E. Russell, Franklin, NC and James (Colleen) Russell, Syracuse; two sisters, Mary E. Moye, CO and Charlene Russell, West Leyden. Kevin was predeceased by his parents; brothers, David Ernst and Jeffrey O. Ernst, and by sisters, Denise, Lynda and Michelle. Kevins family wishes to express a special note of thanks and deep appreciation to the A Wing Staff at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for the excellent and compassionate care rendered to Kevin during his residency at Sunset. A celebration of Kevins life will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 1-5 P.M. at the Boonville Elks Lodge (downstairs area), State Rt. 12, Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Resident Activities Fund, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309, or to the West Leyden Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. box 205, West Leyden, NY 13489, or to the West Leyden Reformed Church, West Leyden, NY 13489. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.