Obituary: Johnnie Earnest

LEMONT, IL — Johnnie M. Earnest, age 95, died May 6, 2026, with his family by his side.

Johnnie was born on May 29, 1930, in Egypt, Mississippi to Robert and Beatrice Earnest. One of seven siblings, he moved to Chicago as a young man. He married his wife Hellen Earnest, nee Pack, in 1953. A resident of Lemont since 1960, Johnnie worked at Alvernia Manor in the 1990s, before starting work at Lemont Township in 1997. He became a familiar face to many over his 22 years at the Township.

Johnnie was a Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan, but he especially enjoyed watching all of his grandkids in their sporting events. More than anything, he loved his family.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his wife, Hellen. He is survived by his three children, John (Melanie) Earnest, Randy (Becky) Earnest, and Arlene Prince. He is a beloved grandfather to Michael (Shellie) Earnest, Kristin (Greg) Kupiec, Kevin (Jenny) Earnest, Andrea (Anthony) Kurt, Randi (Joe) Nasti, Bobby Earnest (and Erin Lacey), Jason Newton, and David Prince; and great-grandfather to Penelope, Glen, Hannah, Chelsea, Raegan, Gracey, Egan, Evelyn, Easton, Cora, Hadleigh, Everlie, and Kara. He will also be remembered fondly as an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on May 17, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 108 Illinois Street, Lemont. Funeral Services will be held Monday at the funeral home at 10 a.m., then leaving at 11 a.m., in procession to Fairmount- Willow Hills Cemetery, 9100 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, for interment of cremated remains.

Archer Avenue is currently closed between the 95th Street turnoff to almost 9200 Archer Ave. If going to the Cemetery, join in the funeral procession.

Johnnie loved animals, especially dogs. In lieu of flowers, donations to TLC Animal Shelter in Homer Glen, at https://tlcanimalshelter.org/ or at Woof Animal Rescue, in Lemont, at https://www.woofanimalrescue.org/donate.