Earnest Watley

July 30, 2015

Service Details

Earnest Watley, 74, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 30, 2015, at his home under the loving care of his wife and surrounded by family.

Family will begin greeting friends at 11:00 a.m., with funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2015, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Earnest was born July 7, 1941, in Vernon, Oklahoma, the son of Willy and Marybell Watley. On October 11, 1976, he was baptized and received the Holy Spirit under presiding bishop Jerimiah Reed at Christ Apostolic Temple. He was a devoted husband and father and a faithful Christian man. He was a dedicated deacon, enjoyed playing bass for the church, and was involved in many church activities. Earnest was an entrepreneur, holding many different jobs in his lifetime. He collected antique cars and loved singing gospel songs.

Earnest is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Watley; daughters, Julmyra (Thomas) Wright and Jomyra Watley; father, Willy Watley; and siblings, Clifford Watley, Rory (Beverly) Watley, James (Marie) Watley, Fredale Watley, Willy Jr. (Charlotte) Watley, Sammy (Aretha) Watley, Doris Watley, Gloria Watley, and Mary Watley. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were truly loved, as well as many nieces, nephews, and church family. In addition to their daughters, Earnest and Linda helped raise an additional 16 children and fostered over 100 children.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marybell Scott Watley and his brother, Chester Watley. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Earnest.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print