Dr. Ernest Lee Galbreath
April 12, 1946 — September 11, 2023
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Ernest Lee Galbreath, 77, was born April 12, 1946, in Walla Walla, Washington, the son of William and Marie (Henderson) Galbreath. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, September 11, 2023, at his home.
Ernest married the love of his life, Ruth Gould, on May 14, 1982, and together they raised their children, Ernie Galbreath (JR.), Tyrone Galbreath, Wendy Hall, and Glenn Stephens. Over the years they have lived in Perris, CA, Cherokee, IA, Andalusia, IL, Des Moines, IA, and Pleasant Hill, IA. They enjoyed spending time together, whether it be going for a leisurely afternoon drive, going to church, or visiting with family. They cherished each other’s’ company; you seldom saw one without the other. Ernest was one of eleven siblings, including three sets of twins, whom he dearly cherished.
Ernest was a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who specialized in psychiatry and sports medicine. From childhood he had always wanted to be a doctor and take care of people. The greatest joy his career brought him was the opportunity to help others and see them grow. Ernest saw potential in everyone. He practiced in many areas of Northwest Iowa and later in his career the Quad Cities area.
Ernest enjoyed the ocean, scenic sunrise views, his family, and the Lord. Despite being separated by many miles, he treasured time talking with his family and always made this a priority. He considered among his greatest possessions was the legacy of love he left for his family.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Ruth and children: Wendy Hall (Steve), Glenn Stephens (Mary), Tyrone Galbreath (Jerica), and Ernie Galbreath, Jr. (Jana); grandchildren: Josh, Jonathan, Jason, Conner, Kristen, Kate, Riley, Brady, Brenna, Everly, and Sullivan; siblings: William Galbreath, Jr., Arlene Murrell, Maybelle Naulls, Marva Cole, Marisha Parra, Doris Galbreath, and David Galbreath.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Marvin Galbreath, Melvin Galbreath, and Joyce Gardner.
The family will greet friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines with the Celebration of Life service starting at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon served in the community room of the funeral home after the service. Burial will take place at Rising Sun Cemetery in Pleasant Hill following the luncheon. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link at the end of the obituary below, accessible on the day of the service.
On-line condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Joyce Haywood
09/22/2023
Uncle Earnest I am truly grateful to have you for an uncle. Its an honor to be your niece. You not only talked it but you lived a life that God can be proud of. You have been a positive example to our whole family. Thank you for all youve done. I love you💙 may the good Lord continue to bless and comfort the family.
Darlene Robinson
09/22/2023
Thank you Uncle Ernest for sharing the walk you had with God. You not only expressed verbally your love for the father, but your life was a living reflection of the relationship that you had with him. We love you and you will be dearly missed.
Miana Galbreath
09/22/2023
Every time of Uncle Ernest I think of a man of great faith and outstanding character. God blessed us with him and I pray that for all the lives that he touched, we remember the faithfulness of Uncle Ernest and let that be imparted unto us. May God provide peace, comfort, and strength to the family.
Naté & Taunya Phillips
09/22/2023
Dr. Galbreath was such a blessing in our lives. We want to thank you for leading both family and friends in the Galbreath Family Bible Study, to the end.
We pray that one day we will be as diligent as you were. Thank you for showing the Love of Christ and the Will of God.
The Alford Kids
09/22/2023
We really loved Uncle Ernest he meant so much to us and his family, and we are with you and we are here for all of you guys, love you all.
Carol Angel Cunningham- Sams
09/22/2023
My Uncle Ernest was a good man, he was a righteous man, he was a humble man, he was a kind man, he was a fair man, he was a loving man, but most importantly he was a man of God! My Uncle walked in his faith(he truly lead by example). I feel so blessed that the Lord allowed me to be a part of his life. I will always hold dear his infectious laugh, his smile that lit
up any room, and his ability to touch the hearts and spirits of those around him. Thank you Uncle Ernest for inspiring me to be the best version of myself. I love you.You will be missed.
My love and prayers go out to the family. I wish you all peace, love, comfort, and strength during this difficult time. God bless.
Lynell Cole
09/21/2023
In the chapters of our family story, Uncle Ernest played a special role filled with love, wisdom, and kindness which knew no bounds. He touched the lives of everyone he met with grace and generosity. His legacy is a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived. His presence was a gift, and his memory is a treasure. We love you Uncle Ernest and may your soul rest in paradise 🙏🏾🕊
Taunya Phillips
09/21/2023
Uncle Ernest has ment the World to me, since I was a little girl. He has been there for both my family and in my life.
Tyrone, Ernie, Glenn, Wendy and Aunt Ruth, you guys have been so blessed to have Uncle Ernest as a "Father" & "Husband". You guys have been such an amazing family to Uncle Ernest too.
I love you guys more than you will ever know. I'm just a phone call away.
I love you guys all so much!!
Last but not least, We thank you guys for allowing us to share in Uncle Ernests life and his last days here. You guys are so greatly appreciated and I'm so endebted to you guys for that.
You guys truely express the love of God and also exhibit the love of Christ!!
Marva Cole
09/21/2023
ERNEST OUR BELOVED BROTHER.who have touched this family in a very special way. I feel blessed to have had such a Brother. I THANK GOD THAT ERNEST has taken his stand for Christ. He was a beautiful example of what Christ will want us to be like. I pray and hope That God will COMFORT his wife and kids and family that ONLY the HOLY SPIRIT CAN. ERNEST will be truly missed until that day We see each other againlove you so much! your sister Marva Cole
Mrs. Marisha Parra
09/20/2023
My Loving Brother:
Dr. Ernest Lee Galbreath; Was the "Epitome" of a servant of God; Galations5:22-23 It was an honor to have him as part of our family on earth in this lifetime; before you know it . life is gone in a blink of an eye. Matthew 28:20 He had fought a good fight, Always putting others before himself with their issues and concerns; Now that his work is done on earth... 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
The LORD will say ,well done my good and faithful servant...Matthew 25:23 We are all just passing through with the hope that we will see each other again on the other side with our family in Christ.
I'll miss you always. (RIP) Sister: Marisha Parra
Charles C Parra
09/20/2023
My Brother in Law Ernest has always been a Godly man, and he honestly showed his Love and concern for Family and Friends. I remember him praying for my health and well being even in his time of illness. May the Lord Bless his Family during these trying times. Psalm 91:14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him."
Larry and Barb Peinert
09/17/2023
Your husband will be sorely missed. .It was an absolute honor to have known him, and our lives were much better for him being in it. Our deepest condolences.
Brian Tice
09/14/2023
Ruth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ernest was a wonderful man filled with love and very much loved! I am so grateful to have had the privilege to become friends with Ernest and worship with him through the years! Stay strong and lean on Jesus for comfort! God bless you all!