EARNEST HASKELL JOHNSON

Earnest Haskell Johnson, lovingly known as Ernie, passed away on October 1, 2026, at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was 88 years old.

Ernie was born on December 7, 1937, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to William Haskell Johnson and Flora Ella Johnson. He later served in the United States Army, where he met Judy Brown. After marrying, they began their life together in Kansas City, Missouri. Through Judy, Ernie became part of a large and loving family, building lasting relationships with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. His special relationships with his sister-in-law Liz and Howard Stickley remained an important part of his life for many years.

After Judy’s passing in 1984, Ernie’s relationship with the Brown family continued. He also developed a lifelong friendship with Brent Evans, whose friendship remained an important part of his life. Ernie also cherished his special relationships with Donnie and Barb Steinbach and the many memories they shared.

In 1992, Ernie married Bette Mechlin Newbold and became part of another extended family. Through Bette, he became a loving part of the lives of her children, Michael Newbold and Kelli Newbold, as well as additional family members, including in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Ernie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved boating, spending time at the lake, riding horses, watching NASCAR, and being surrounded by family and friends. He especially enjoyed the property he and Bette shared in Cass County, where he could relax and visit with friends and family which included Tom and Sue Sims and Don Newbold. But Ernie's greatest joy came from being a grandpa to Tucker, Abby, Nicholas, and Lauren.

Ernie was a longtime employee of Armco Steel in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Judy Ann Johnson; his second wife, Bette Mechlin Johnson; and his siblings, Jean Cannon, Betty Lane, Teresa Moore, and David “Buck” Moore.

He is survived by his siblings, Cathleen Evans, Estelle Crawford, Wanda Sayer, Helen Crawford, and Dale Moore; his children, Michael Newbold (Jennifer), and Kelli Newbold Snell (Craig); and his grandchildren, Tucker Quinn, Abby Quinn, Nicholas Newbold, and Lauren Newbold.

Ernie lived a life defined by family, friendship, hard work, and the relationships he built along the way. He especially cherished his grandchildren and the many nieces and nephews he loved dearly. The memories and experiences he shared with his family and friends will continue to live on.

Celebration of life Inurnment will be held at Wills Cemetery, Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 5:00 pm. Wills Cemetery: 21825 S Thorngrove Rd, Peculiar, Missouri, 64078

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278