Ernie Kuney

Had a conversation with another SF Vietnam vet on Friday, a couple of your stories were repeated. We are diminished without you.

Rest in Peace old friend

We met at Warrington Airport probably 1967. I wondered whatever happened to you, Ernie. You certainly had a 'storied' career. We didn't get along for some unknown reason. Rest in Peace.

Ernie was a true gentleman, I was look to make his acquaintance shooting in Winnsboro, he was really good fun, and even now when I think of him I smile. This is a gift to certin people, Ernie had that gift. Of course I could not forget Sandy his lovely wife, they both, brought a levity to life, that was special. As a member of the Irish International Shooting team we always were well supported by our American friends which I would be glad to call Ernie RIP

Ernie was my flight instructor at Warrington (PA) Field and we hunted together occasionally. i greatly admired him circa 1972. So sad to discover this obituary and learn that such a wonderful man is no longer with us.

I still miss Ernie. He and Tom together managed the Shrine Club. They were on the phone nearly everyday. I always felt safe around Ernie knowing he carried a gun and was a green beret. I figured he could handle any situation. He was great when Tom was in rehab coming by nearly daily when he came in for therapy himself! I ache for Sandy. They were good for each other! Remember us, Ernie, who are limited in this earth life!!

Hi Sandy! Can't believe how the time has passed. Thinking of you and hope you are well.
Rose Anne and Steve

Our family is so sorry about Ernie's passing because he meant so much to each of us. Ernie was such a giver: of his time, his talents, and his knowledge and blessings. I loved how he would pop by our place to say "hi" and see how we were doing...and sometimes to see if I happened to have an extra dessert hanging around in our kitchen (especially when Sandy wasn't home). Ernie was always so good about coming over at the end of the season to check the load on my trailer to make sure it was good for the long drive back to Texas. How I miss seeing his yellow Jeep pull into our driveway! Ernie was also such an encourager to my older son as he pursued his own career in aviation, and he always took the time to listen to whatever my younger son wanted to tell him about. Most important, though, was how much Ernie helped me take care of my husband when he was so sick. Not only was Ernie one of our favorite people...he had the heart of my funny dog, Marvis, who worshipped the ground Ernie walked on! We were all blessed to have had Ernie be part of our lives for awhile. It certainly was not long enough, but the years of our friendship with Ernie were so impactful and meaningful, and full of fun and blessings! There will never be another Ernie Kuney, and we are all so glad we got to meet the one and only!!

My husband, Tom, and I still miss Ernie. Ernie and Tom alternated the Presidency and Vice Presidency positions for our local Sand Dunes Shrine Club several years in a row. Ernie and Tom often shared concerns about the club almost daily by phone. In today's crazy world, it was always comforting when Ernie was nearby because I knew he carried in case there was an emergency. Ernie was compassionate, kind and generous often giving large donations for a good cause. He was a good friend and I believe he continues his acts of kindness from the other side!
Tom and Margaret Sanderson

The very first time I met Ernie and Sandy I absolutely fell in love, and oh the depth of friendship they brought to my life! Loved listening to his stories, and the few times I made a point to visit and spend time listening were not enough to hear it all or ask all the questions I wanted. What an immense knowledge. Loved his silent, belly shaking chuckle, and how he loved my doggie pal Gus. On my desk is a sticky note of words still in my dictionary app search that came from Ernie conversations..... curmodgeonly, pariah, magnanimous, felicitous. Fun conversations!! Loved his honesty in Bible study when a Biblical truth couldn't mesh with his hard earned wisdom of how to survive in difficult situations, and yet he pursed understanding. He was always one of the first to offer help no matter what the task at hand. I miss my friend, but find myself envious of his current status.

Ernie was my aviation and outdoorsman mentor, as well as grandfather to my children and friend when I needed one. He told it to me straight, whether I wanted to hear it or not. He imparted wisdom, whether I was accepting of it or not. In all this, he was as much a father to me as any man has been.

Ernie was a great man. A man of honor, service and patience. A man not without foibles, like all great men. But in in all this, he was a kind and good man. I am proud to have know and loved you.

Safe flight west, and Godspeed.

Besides his witty jokes and encyclopedic knowledge, I'll remember Ernie most for his generosity. So many examples over the years... helping with my college entrance essays, gifting his trusted outdoor gear for my next excursions, assisting Grampadad in his final weeks... he was a good man. I miss him.

Ernie “Meister” Kuney, I will never forget you and I shall be forever grateful for your steadfast and loving companionship to my mother. You were a steady rock in this family and you re-wrote the book on living an honorable life and making the most of everything you chose to tackle. You managed to leave a lasting impression on me and nearly anybody you crossed paths with. It was an honor to know and love you as a stepson.

Ernie was the love of my life. Losing him is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. He taught me so much about "Living Out Loud" and our incredible memories are countless. He will always be so much a part of me. I cherish the 28 yrs with him - my gift from God! I'll always miss you Meister. Love you "Mucher" !

We loved spending time with you and Ernie. We miss him and pray for your healing and peace. You will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Mary Slaughter

Ernie was a dear friend since the mid 70's. He taught me to fly. I went with him across "the pond", as he would refer to the ocean, from Pa. to Brussels Belgium, in a small twin engine plane, at the end of Jan. It was and still is the most exciting thing that I have ever done!! He was a fun human being, patient, (he had to be teaching me to fly) with an infectious laugh. We will all treasure our memories of Ernie.

The world needs characters and Ernie was one of the best. We will miss his stories and dry sense of humor. His good hearted spirit was a light to those of us fortunate to share time with him. We miss you, Ernie!

For some 35 years Ernie was a great mentor and friend. There will be a void that is very painful. Rest in
peace brother. Herb

Sandy, we share your grief over the loss of Ernie. Without any doubt, he was the most unique individual this old Texas boy has ever met. His great wit and dry sense of humor always kept me laughing. His convictions were strong and he would express them so very uniquely and succinctly, but always with great gentleness. He fascinated me with his sense of adventure. He traveled the world, and I rarely venture beyond Tarrant County and the five counties contiguous to it. As a Special Forces Operative and private pilot, he has seen & done things that raise the hair on the back of my neck. I have lived several eventful decades and witnessed that history, but Ernie impacted that history. As different as we were, I am incredibly blessed to have the honor of calling him friend.

Sandy, Ernie admired you greatly and was constantly bragging about you. Nobody speaks that glowingly about another person unless it comes from a sincere, loving heart. In your grief, please continue to hold that love and those fond memories in your heart.

God Bless,
David & Laurel Kliever

Ernie and Sandy have been our neighbors for several years. Ernie and I would meet as he was walking Tippy, and Ernie would inevitably tell a story or two. As he often said, some of them were even true. He was a special friend that we will miss.
Ralph and Cindy Wells

Ernie, a dear friend and Brother, was a mountain of a man in spirit and goodwill. I miss him greatly and will long for his guidance and good humor in this life.

We were saddened to hear about Ernie, but glad he is with the Lord. Although not of the age range of the greatest generation, he certainly embodied it. The green beret were the army spear head in Vietnam, and as a medic, Ernie helped treat and take care of his buddies in that hostile environment. He then flew numerous times across the Atlantic , many times without instrumentation. He was a true patriot and had the heart of a shepherd. He gave much of himself serving others. We loved his sense of humor and all the wonderful stories of his life of service. Finally, on a personal note, we had dined at the Windsor hotel for a birthday or anniversary celebration and spared no expense. When we asked for the bill, we were told it had already been paid for by Ernie and Sandy. Really touched us. He will be dearly missed by all.

Sandy I am so sorry. Ernie was a really good man and person. He will be missed.
Good Bless him and you. Hugs Mary Weaver

Sandy, I continue to lift you up in prayer as you navigate life without Ernie. He was a blessing to know and will be deeply missed.

May God bless you and keep you Sandy. We miss Ernie so much. I know there was much more Hangar flying to do. We'll have to catch up in the hereafter.

I am very saddened at the loss of my uncle. It means a lot to hear how much he meant to so many people. I miss him dearly.

We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Ernie. We will miss his calls because you were out of town and he was bored. We will miss all the stories he would tell. He was such an interesting fun person. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.

Ernie was one of a kind and it was a pleasure to know him. I shall miss his mischievous laugh, twinkling eyes and great stories.

Ernie took me on my first hunting trip in Pennsylvania and my last hunting trip in Colorado. I’ll never forget his infectious laugh and knowledge he gave me. He will be missed.

The world is a little dimmer as Ernie's light has been taken from us. As much as I will miss that smile and mischievous personality I know his family's grief is much stronger. I pray they will find peace with his passing and know, while he has left this earth, he remains in their hearts. May memories of his smiling face, infectious laugh and many good deeds carry us through this loss. Until we meet again...

Sandy, my deepest condolences to you and your family during these times. May you celebrate the life of Ernie, he is now in his eternal home. Much love to you and your family

Ernie was always a joy to be around . He will definitely be missed. Our prayers are with Sandy in this difficult time.

Vida and I met Ernie when He first met Sandy many years ago. We liked him instantly and learned to love him. We always found him ready and willing to help when needed & always with a smile. Although they moved away we always kept in touch. He will be very much missed. Our deepest sympathy to you Sandy.

My sincerest condolences to my Aunt Sandy. I am honored to be Ernie's niece and I will miss him very much. He led an amazing life and I loved listening to his amazing stories. I still have the teddy bear he brought me when I was born. We are heartbroken.

Thinking of Sandy, and all of Ernie’s New Hope Church family at this time .. one more reason to make it to heaven ..

I miss him so much. I started out as their Realtor in South Fork and quickly made them a part of my family. We had so many laughs and tears and special times. I'll never forget him and I know he is with our Lord, of course organizing a security detail! Can't wait to see that smile again!

Dear Sandy,
Steve and I are just shocked and saddened to hear of Ernie’s passing. He was a good Mason and friend. We will be thinking of you especially on the 26th.

I am truly grief stricken over the loss of my brother. I thank everyone for your kind words. He was certainly my hero. I am devastated.

So sorry for your loss, Sandy. We have many memories of times spent here in the Haynesville Woods. Ernie was always well versed on many subjects from weather to wines. I remember his giving my daughter a lesson on cloud formations when she was in the 5th grade. Ernie loved being involved and gave it his all. I'm sure he will be sadly missed. Kathy Clifford

Ernie was a loving and kind person, a great friend and always had a interesting story to tell. He will be missed.

Sandy, what a shock to read about Ernie. Ernie was such a lovely man, always so kind and considerate to Tom and I. Glad we had that time together a few years ago to get to know you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. With love. Margaret

I met Ernie when he began to date and eventually married Sandy, while we were both working at American Airlines. Ernie was funny, kind and always willing to help out everyone. He loved my Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies and I would always mail them to CO for Christmas for them! Sandy lost the love of her life but God pick up a new exceptional Angel for the ages! We all loved him and will miss him! RIP!!!

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rest In Peace, Ernie. You were a remarkable man and will be missed by so many.

I miss the great wisdom you shared so freely, we are diminished.

Ernie you were always a friendly and welcoming person. You were a wonderful one for the sharing of Great stories and adventures! Passionate on many subject's and not afraid to stand your ground when you belived in something. America being one of them. We will miss you! Until we meet again!
Charlie and Danny

Thank you for being a great friend and brother. I will miss you very much and you will always walk in my heart. Until we meet again

Ernie was truly a remarkable person and cared for so many. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. God bless.

Glen and Kandi Wells

What a good man! I will miss Ernie Kuney.
He always had a smile for me and positive words. Ernie went out of his way to make me feel like a part of our mountain community and church family.
His passing was such a surprise but it was a great reminder that we're all here temporarily and that we should not be afraid to tell others how we feel about them. Ernie loved his wife dearly and was a great example to me of a loving, respectful partner in a relationship. He's now with the Lord!

I met Ernie in April 1986, when I was hired to help with the Contra arms supply. Ernie was a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor. Was a superb pilot. He was well-known in the ferrying business as I learned when I flew through Iceland and found he was known there. Then, flying through Santa Maria in the Azores I found he was known there as well. I shold have stayed in closer touch with him and he is missed.