Earnest began his journey of life on March 25, 1933, when a handsome, bouncing bundle of joy being the first male child was born to his proud parents, Earnest and Zella [Moore] Nero.

During his elementary years, Earnest attended Nero School and Fort Gibson Lincoln High School. Immediately following High School graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country proudly, spending tours in Germany, Japan, Korea and Vietnam for twenty years.

Retiring from the United States Army at a young age, he was able to embark upon a career with the Army Corp of Engineers until a second retirement.

While serving in the Army, Earnest met and married Virginia Schoats and to this union, six lovely children were born. After this marriage was dissolved, he was blessed with another son.

Later, he met and married Georgia [Silas] Terry and was blessed with two more beautiful daughters.

Earnest knew at a very early age that one day he would transition from this earthly realm, therefore he made preparation by accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, under the pastorage of Reverend P. D. Davis at Four Mile Branch Baptist Church.

He was a dedicated member, who loved his church dearly, serving the Lord as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Church Treasurer and Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent.

He unselfishly rendered of himself day in and day out. He was a confidant to those who sought his wisdom in time of need. He was always calm and quiet, never moving or speaking hastily.

On Monday evening, May 20, 2013, at Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center, at 7:20 P.M., an invitation to eternally be in God's presence was extended to Deacon Nero. He faithfully answered the call when he heard the Master say "well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the Joy of the Lord."

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers, a baby daughter and a grandson.

He leaves to forever cherish his always loving memory; his devoted wife of 39 years, 11 months and 20 days, Georgia; his sons, Earnest Jr. [Gloria], Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Gregory [Evelyn], Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tyrone [Sachi], Muskogee, Oklahoma, Jerry, Muskogee; his daughters, Anita [Jerry] Rucker, Fort Coffee, Oklahoma, Deborah Mitchell, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Terri Grusandorf [Greg], Norman, Oklahoma, Evon [Louie] Ashley, Muskogee, Oklahoma and Machelle [Stevie] Lyons, Gibson Station, Oklahoma; twenty-two grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Reverend Richard [Doris] Nero, Lee's Summit, Missouri; three sisters, Catherine Brown, Fort Gib son, Oklahoma, Delarence Brown and Roena Wong, both of Oakland, California; sisters-in-law, Betty Dawson [Arteria], Phoenix, Arizona, Velester Payne, Denver, Colorago, Geneva Smith, Muskogee, Oklahoma, LeRae Sherman, Los Angeles, Californai, Essie Walker and Lois Crawford, both of Wagoner, Oklahoma; two brothers-in-law, Booker and Herman Blackmon, Muskogee, Oklahoma; along with a caravan of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Final Salute for Deacon Earnest Nero will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in the Boulevard Christian Church. Pastor James McCracken, is the gracious host Pastor, Reverend Terry Kirts and Rev. Walter Brown, Jr., Officiants and Reverend Vernell Racy, Eulogist.

Burial will follow with full military honors in the Four Mile Branch Cemetery.

You may visit Deacon Nero, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Four Mile Branch Baptist Church. The family will be present to receive friends.