Ernest was born on September 20th, 1934 in Norfork, Arkansas. He passed away at age 88 on January 14th, 2023 in Springfield, Missouri after a short illness.

Ernest was known for being a hard worker. As a young man he worked at a foundry in Kansas City, MO. He then served in the Army and was stationed in Massachusetts.

After an honorable discharge, he began working at Reed & Barton SilverSmith as a tool die maker.

He eventually moved to Missouri and worked until he retired from Lily Tulip.

He enjoyed participating with the Model T  Club as well as travelling to Ireland and across the United States.

He also enjoyed being a part of the fellowship at Christ Community Church.

He was survived by and the proud father of David Cantwell, Barbara Hubacheck and Jennifer (Rich) Cordner; grandfather of  Michael, Steven, and Daniel; Jessica, Andrea, Caitlin; Rebecca and Elizabeth; and great grandfather of; Kayla, Kylie, Cameron, Eva, Caidin, Avery, Jace, Carlee, Loghan and Maddalynn; Autumn and Izabelle.

He is also survived by sisters Dorothy Teague and Nina Hood, and by his second wife, Patricia Bellamy.

He is preceded in death by brother, Elvis Cantwell and sister, Virginia (Cantwell) Reeves, his first wife, Edna Stowers, and his wife Mary Ann (Logue) Cantwell and her son,  John Hopkins

Through this marriage of 27 years he is survived by step children, Harry Hopkins, Joe (Delia) Hopkins, Susan Hopkins, and Sandy (Rick) Cantwell and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Church in Brookline, Missouri.