Earnest C. Kohler, 85, of Centerport, died Wednesday, July 30, 2014 in his residence. He was the husband of Beatrice G. (Christman) Kohler, died January 23, 2011.
Born in Maxatawny Twp., he was the son of the late Arthur P. and Agnes C. (Rothermel) Kohler. Earnest was a member of Salem (Belleman's) Church and enjoyed attending the Centerport Union Sunday School. He served in the PA National Guard during the Korean War. He worked for Carpenter Technology as a crane operator for 32 and a half years until his retirement. Following his retirement, he was employed at The Reading Airport for 9 years taking care of the lawn, and later working on private airplanes. He then worked for Eckerton Hill Farms, Virginville. Earnest was a member of Central Berks Fire Co. & Beneficial Assoc.; Shoemakersville Fire Co.; Kutztown Fire Co.; Mt. Pleasant Fire Co.; Central Berks Lions Club; Upper Bern Veterans Assoc.; Walnuttown Fish & Game Assoc.; Kutztown Rod & Gun Club; Pike Twp. Sportsmen's Assoc.; National Rifle Assoc.; Lenhartsville Fish & Game Assoc.; Strausstown Sportsman's club; and Berks County Fire Police Assoc.
Earnest is survived by two sons: Gary L. husband of Debra (Dietrich) Kohler, Shoemakersville; Daryl E. husband of Nancy (Fenical) Kohler, Hamburg; three daughters: Patsy A. (Kohler) Catherman, Columbia, SC; Linda L. (Kohler) wife of Frank Bucher, Bernville; and Darlene M. (Kohler) wife of Homer Fisher, Bernville. Earnest is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandsons; a brother: Irwin Kohler, Fleetwood; and a sister: Eleanor (Kohler) Catherman, Mohrsville. He was predeceased by two daughters: Judy L. (Kohler) Heckman, died July 14, 2011; and Deborah K. (Kohler) Trabosh, died Sept. 14, 2010; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Services will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc. 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial will follow in Berks County Memorial Gardens, Maidencreek Twp. A viewing will be held Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society 498 Bellevue Ave. Reading, PA 19605; Central Berks Lions Club P.O. Box 302 Centerport, PA 19516; or Centerport Union Sunday School 319 Main Street, Centerport, PA 19516. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com