Ernest Sunnerville

Ernie passed away, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Allegan County Medical Care Community, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 30, 1935, in Constantine, the son of Archie and Evelyn (Jackson) Sunnerville. Ernie graduated in 1953 from Plainwell High School where he was a track star and won state competitions. He attended Albion College and Western Michigan University until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge, Ernie returned home and married the love of his life, Jerrilyn Pell on April 14, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Plainwell. Together they lived on their farm and Ernie worked at Valley Metal Drafting. He was also a technician for the Michigan Animal Breeders having received training through Michigan State University and serviced many dairy farms over the years. Eventually he and Jerrilyn became full time dairy farmers until 1985. He then went on to work until his retirement at Wolverine Feeds. After retiring he spent several years working at Mullenhurst Golf Course. In his free time Ernie enjoyed golfing, achieving a hole in one while golfing alone. He liked hunting in the Upper Peninsula and was a skilled woodworker making several cabinets and clocks. Ernie faithfully served the Lord for 45 years as an active member of the First Baptist Church in Plainwell. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Jerrilyn; daughters, Laura (Jose) Martinez and Sue (Tracy) McConnell; daughter-in-law, Paula Sunnerville; grandchildren, Lydia (Joel) Collison, Anna McConnell, Seth (Maria) McConnell, Joshua McConnell, Devon Martinez, Ben Martinez, Jack Sunnerville, Sam Sunnerville and Chloe Sunnerville; brother, James (Donna) Sunnerville; brother-in-law, Steve Pell along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bret Sunnerville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jackie (Clyde) Thomas and Patricia (Ralph) Boersema and sister-in-law, Patricia Pell. Friends may visit with Ernie's family starting at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor George Osborn officiating. Burial will take place at 3:00 P.M., at South Martin Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Ernie may be made to Wounded Warriors or the First Baptist Church in Plainwell. Messages of condolence may be posted at WinkelFuneralHome.com.