David E. Ernst

It sure was a pleasure to serve y’all on this Earth for 56 joyous years. On the contrary, I have now accepted a new position with the highest bank you could imagine, while taking on the executive position as President of the newest soccer club, Angel’s Wings on September 15th, 2023. Here is a little insight on how I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 13th, 1967, to Marilyn (Richard) Elliot as well as the late Terry Ernst. As we moved around several times, we ended up in Beavercreek, Ohio, where I graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1985. I then decided to further my education, obtaining my Bachelors Of Science Degree in Sports Management, along with a minor in Coaching, from Bowling Green State University in 1993. It was there at BGSU, where I met my better half, Stacy G. Yetter, and decided to marry her in 1992. 31 years sure do fly by when you’re having fun! Within those 31 years, we had 3 boys, Jordan (Ashley) and one amazing granddaughter Lincoln Jae, Addison (Brookelyn) and Avery. Little did Stacy know that being married to me would entail, as well as myself, my sisters; Chris (Doug) House and Julie (Allen) Anderson, the great organizers of get-togethers. My in-laws, Ed and Carole Yetter, Stephanie (Jim) Rudloff, and Scott (Kathleen) Yetter who were the travelers to come see their grandchildren and nephews play in all their sporting events. Then there are my 5 nephews, who all just so happen to take after me with their quick wit and handsomeness, of course; Josh (Nicole) House, Cody (Sarah Beth) House, Ethan House, Christian (Janelle) Rudloff, and Matthew (Paula) Rudloff. These extraordinary individuals blessed me with 5 great nieces, as well as 1 great nephew, who will all do great things in their lives; believe me, I will be watching!

As we took on this journey of life, we moved to the town of Greenville, Ohio (after looking it up on the map) in 1993, as I was starting my new position at the Darke County YMCA as the Youth Program Director, soon to be the Operations Director, and final the Executive Director of the Greenville Branch (boy, that was a lot of hours). Performing my duties, I hired an extremely energetic young man for the Building Supervisor position, named John Tabler. He soon then became my trusted friend and mentor for over 30 years. So entrusted that I conned him into being my assistant coach for middle school basketball for several years and most recently the Varsity Lady Wave soccer team.

After 10 years at the YMCA of Darke County, I took a position at Dave Knapp Ford, as a Car Salesman. This then led into a different career at Greenville National Bank, as a Consumer Loan Officer. Funny enough, I gave people money to buy the very cars that I used to sell! As the years went on, I eventually became Assistant Vice President/ Installment Loan Officer.

Now, I do not want to bore y’all with all of the volunteer work and countless committees that I was on, but I will share a few that I am pretty proud of. I was past President of Main Street Greenville, where Joel Allread and I met wearing Chef’s hats, becoming friends for more than 20 years. Side note, I do need to give myself kudos for introducing Joel to his now wife, Kara, which ultimately led to their son G-Man. Yeah, I’m pretty proud of that one. I really couldn’t have imagined what I would be getting myself into, when I had met him. I quickly found out that he was President of the Greenville Schools Foundation and he strongly encouraged me to “Join the Club!” not knowing he had the ulterior motive in mind, to put me in the Vice President role. I enjoyed this position so much, that I then decided to serve on the Greenville City School Board.

Soon enough, I put my coaching minor to work, becoming President and coach of the Darke County Soccer Association. Turns out, since that was so much fun that lead me into the assistant coaching position for the Greenville Varsity Boys Soccer Team. After a few years of being the assistant, the Greenville Varsity Girls Soccer coaching position became available, and I thought to myself, “What the heck, why not?” This is where I ended up. I tell you; those girls can play with the best of them. One thing I did not expect, who knew ‘Shark Week’ could last so long.

If you would like to honor me, and who wouldn’t, please consider contributing to EverHeart Hospice, The Darke County Cancer Society, and /or Lady Wave Soccer.

My Celebration of Life cook-out will be held at J&J Enterprises, 3875 St. Rt. 502, Greenville, Ohio on October 9th from 4-9 PM. As many of you know, or should, I sure did love my Nebraska Cornhuskers, even in the rough times they have had, and Cincinnati Bengals. With that being said, the one thing I would like is for everyone to wear Cornhuskers red/white or Bengals orange/black. I know it will be hard for some of you, but it’s my party!

So I will be watching my family, friends, and the outstanding girls on the soccer team do extraordinary things, from my new office window. One last thing before I assume my position at my new job, if you had the pleasure of knowing me, you’re welcome!

Arrangements entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio. Memories may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Ernst Family.