Don Clark Ernst

It is with sadness that we report the death of Don Clark Ernst, age 88, on Feb. 28, 2026, at Renown Medical Center, Reno, NV., after suffering a major stroke.  Don was born Sept. 6, 1937, in Woodland, California to John C. Ernst and Francis Mae Clark.  He grew up and attended schools in Oakland, Ca.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles and participating in races and hill climbs where he won several trophies.  He did a two-year stint in the Marine Corp. from 1957 to 1959.  He moved to Fallon in 1967.  He is cousin to many of the local Ernst’s, Cann’s, and Beeghley’s. He initially worked for M.K. Wallace and then the City of Fallon where he retired as Public Works Supervisor in 1997.  In 1972 he married Marcia Lawrence.  He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Men’s Association and later Northern Nevada Senior Men’s.  He and Marcia enjoyed golfing with many other couples enjoying weekend trips to surrounding golf courses.  In 2019 he suffered a stroke which ended his golfing, so he and Marcia took up camping and ATVing with the “The Trail to Nowhere Gang.”  In 2007, he and Marcia came out of retirement to farm Marcia’s farm.  They put up alfalfa for 10 years retiring again when Don was 80. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, of 53 years and two children, Tyson Ernst, Sr., and Wendy Ernst (Bryan Dodd), 3 grandchildren Tyson Ernst, Jr. (Alexis), Jake Ernst (Sarah), and Elayne Ernst, one great-grandson, Theo Lawrence Ernst and another great-grandson on the way, his sister’s four children, his brother-in-law Ronald Lawrence and his two dogs, Dusty and Dukey.  As per his request, there will be no services but a celebration of life at a later date.  Don was bombastic, loud and filled a room with his presence.  You either loved or hated him.  He will be sorely missed by those who loved him.