Ernest Courtney

Ernest Lee Courtney, 72, of Caldwell, was born on November 16, 1950, in Caldwell to parents George and Doris (Lacina) Courtney. He grew up in Caldwell and received his GED while he was in the Army. After his service in the Army, he began working as a bricklayer. As he gained experience through the years, he took on more challenging work with the company. He was proud of his work; he could tell you a story about every house that he worked on. He was a hard worker and took pride in what he did.

On October 3rd, 1970, Ernest married his loving wife Roberta Lee (Luckie) Courtney. They met when Roberta was working at the local Dairy Queen when she was just 15 years old. Together they enjoyed traveling to the Hill Country, loved going out to eat at their favorite restaurants, Sodolaks and Wings ‘N More, and spending time with their family. They were blessed with two children, Stephen Ray Courtney and Keith Wayne Courtney. They had just celebrated their 52nd anniversary.

In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed playing pool, water skiing, hunting and fishing, going to turkey shoots, watching the birth of their calves, and camping. Ernest was known for being a jokester, nobody could tell if he was serious or not. He was a simple man; he didn’t need anything fancy when it came to life. Ernest was a friendly guy. He would talk to everyone as if he had known them for years. We will miss his funny personality, the way he always looked out for his family and friends, and just making sure his family was happy and healthy.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Roberta; son Keith and wife Jessica Courtney, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Courtney; grandchildren Caitlyn, Brianna, Cash, Caroline, and Charlotte; siblings Joann and Troy Poehl, Alice Mott, Barbara and Dennis Mitchell, Lillie and Rudy Supak; brothers and sisters-in-law Bobbie and Debbie Luckie, Raymond and Laura Luckie, Janelle Luckie; and many nieces and nephews.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents George and Doris Courtney, his sisters Doris Jean Courtney, Bonnie Mikeska, brother Jamie Courtney, son Stephen Courtney; brothers-in-law Randy Luckie, and Danny Mott; and in-laws Ruby and Robert Luckie.

For those who would like to pay their respects, Ernest will lie in state on Wednesday, December 14, from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm at Strickland Funeral Home Caldwell. The family will be present for visiting from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Strickland Funeral Home Caldwell, on Thursday, December 15, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jacob Roach officiating. Meal to follow at First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ernest’s memory by donating to Living to Give Foundation https://livingtogivebcs.com, Twin City Missions https://www.twincitymission.org/, or Still Creek Ranch https://www.stillcreekranch.org/#/ .