Ron Earnest

RON R. EARNEST

Cedar Rapids

Ron R. Earnest, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, with his family and friends present, his very long battle with cancer ended. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. Services:

2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home.

Survivors include his son, Austin of Cedar Rapids; brothers, Terry (Marlene) of Midlothian, Va., and Gary of Cedar Rapids; nieces, Georgia (Jimmy Cole) and Jillian Earnest, both of Midlothian; great-nieces, Memphis and Vivian; great-nephews, Julian and Conner; uncles, Roger (Karen) Spratt of Mesa, Ariz., and John Spratt of Webster City; and so many loving cousins spread around the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marylyn Earnest; nephew, Beau Earnest; aunts, Judy Schlitter, Melita (Willard) Selph, Nora Porter and Ruby Miller; uncles, Jim Spratt, Draper Spratt and Howard Spratt; aunt, Rosemary Spratt; and his beagle, Rufus, who was such a good boy.

Ron was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A 1974 graduate of Jefferson High School, he attended the University of Northern Iowa, becoming a member of Delta Chi fraternity through 1976. Ron worked at city parks during the summers, at Wilson Foods in ham boning until 1979, and assembled and installed commercial windows in schools and courthouses across the state until 1983. He sold residential windows and doors for J. J. Grundy and sold cars for Bob Zimmerman, becoming a BMW specialist.

Ron began R & D Construction, selling and installing siding, windows and doors with his partner, Daniel Heiken. He truly enjoyed these years dealing with customers, suppliers, contractors and employees.

Thanks to the great people at Abode Construction, it was an honor to finish exteriors on condos and award-winning homes for them for many years. Ron loved the job site and getting the job done right and on time.

He loved his Packers, Cubs and Hawkeyes, playing softball, camping with his son and walking Rufus in the park. A few laughs and stories with friends always made his day.

He attacked cancer with an unbelievably positive attitude and determination to beat cancer. His smile was contagious and he inspired people around him in so many ways. Ron saw his son fight by his side with this battle, showing courage and maturity. Ron's goal was to see his son graduate from high school. He was humbled and proud of his son's strength and character. Ron truly loved his son.

We were overwhelmed by love and support of family and friends. Reconnecting with high school and college friends, co-workers, employees, contractors and suppliers was so cool. J-Hawk angels, his bro's, helped us to complete this battle on his terms. So many

people brought over food for us… Thank you… hugs… SMILES.

Thanks to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their outstanding care and St. Luke's Hospice for their help and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, an education fund for his beloved son, Austin, is being established.

Please share a memory of Ron at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.