Neil Albert Earnest Obituary: Mount Carmel, IL, man passed away at 81

Neil Earnest Obituary: Neil Albert Earnest, 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the Villas of Holly Brook.

Born on July 7, 1942, in Jasper County, Illinois, he was the son of A. Wayne and Opal (Webster) Earnest. Neil married Barbara Isenburg on February 24, 1963, and together they enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage centered on their family.

Throughout his professional life, Neil held various roles: he worked at Shaw Construction, served as an insurance agent with Shepherd Insurance, and passionately owned and operated a Hardee’s restaurant alongside his catering business. Before retiring, he dedicated six years to serving as the Director of Food Services at the Lawrence County Correctional Center.

Neil is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Mount Carmel; son, Todd Earnest, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Mount Carmel; two daughters, Telisa Laws and her husband, Jason, of Mount Carmel, and Teresa Brown and her husband, Bill, of Mokena, IL.

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He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Floyd, Norman, and Donald Earnest.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Parkview Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Parkview Christian Church, with Pastor Mark Richison officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.