Philip Kent Ernst

Philip Kent Ernst May 19, 1960 – March 4, 2012 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 Philip Ernst was a tough-as-nails Texan with a tender heart, a quiet individual who spoke volumes through his caring deeds, and a passionate man who was sensitive to the struggles of others while fully acknowledging his own need for redemption through his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Phil went home to be with the Lord after passing away suddenly of natural causes Sunday evening, March 4, 2012. He was 51 years young. Phil was born and raised in Dallas, and a life that would be lived full of vigor and vitality manifested itself early in his childhood. Neither household appliances nor his sister's Easy-Bake oven were ever safe from his screwdriver-assisted exploration. In addition to developing a life-long affinity for all things mechanical, Phil grew up with a love of sports, excelling in baseball, basketball, track, swimming and, especially, football, receiving dozens of letters of interest from colleges around the country. Professionally, Phil was an accomplished A&P mechanic, a Realtor, and a Harley-Davidson technician. Personally, he was a courageously caring soul and a devoted follower of Jesus. He is survived by his mother and father, Dolores and Robert Ernst; his sister, Kim Lane; his niece, Jennifer Laird; and his beloved daughter, Aimee Harrell, of whom he kept a picture in his wallet and precious memories in his heart. Gifts in Phil's honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or to Joni Eareckson Tada's Wheels for the World ministry (joniandfriends.org).