Lee H. Earnest

Former Union Camp worker was WWII veteran. Lee H. Earnest, 88, of Washington, died 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2006, in Donnell House, Washington, following a six-month illness. He was born December 27, 1917, in Washington, a son of Florence Cunningham. Mr. Earnest served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with the rank of Tech 5, in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with five bronze stars. He was a floor boy at Hazel Atlas 2 for 26 years and a machine operator at Union Camp for 15 years. Mr. Earnest enjoyed working in his garden and doing work outdoors. On February 14, 1953, he married Sophia Siedlak, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Bertha (Louis) Kovacicek of Washington; two grandchildren, Louis F. (Kelly) Kovacicek and Brenda L. Kovacicek; and a great-grandchild, Cassidy Kovacicek. Deceased are a sister, Alice Brooks, and a brother, Merle Earnest. Friends will be received 7 to 9 pm. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, December 11, in St. Hilary Church, Washington, with the Rev. Thomas D. O'Neil as celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. Military rites will be conducted graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.