Ernest Lee Challender, 73

On May 21, 2023, Ernest Lee Challender (Ernie, Erndog, Pops, Dad, Gramps) went home to celebrate eternal life with Jesus and Lenora, his beautiful, dearly loved wife of 45 years.  They were joined in Holy Matrimony on September 16, 1977, at Big Rapids, Michigan, Free Methodist Church. Lenora went on before, August 22, 2022. 

They raised seven adored children, the late Catherine Dubois, Terry (Darla) Fullington of Otwell, Julie Fullington of Shoals, William (Mary) Fullington of Perrinton, Mich., John (Cathy) Fullington of Velpen, Tina (Gregg) Perasron of Petersburg, and Philip (Anna) Fullington of Lincoln City; 26 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul Challender, Carol (Dan) Boyce, Judy Rogers, Mary Smith, all of Big Rapids, Mich.; many nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death was his grandson, Jason Milholin and great-grandson, Dillion Olsson.

Born on September 15, 1949, in Big Rapids, Michigan, to Harris (“Bud”) and Faith Ann (Kilpatrick) Challender.  Ernie enjoyed early childhood on a small farm nestled along the Muskegon River, where he spent many carefree days hunting, fishing, swimming and playing hooky, from the two-room Green Township Grammar School he attended in Paris, Michigan.

Later, he received his graduation diploma from Big Rapids High School.  He worked in furniture manufacturing and industrial sales.

Ernie asked Jesus to forgive his sins and be his Lord and only Savior on September 6, 1981, at the Big Rapids Free Methodist Church. He and Lenora loved babies and children. They had the privilege to start and lead a youth group (Disciples Unlimited), labor in Christ’s Kingdom as Sunday School workers and serve on several church boards over the years. They were honored to be members of the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene in Huntingburg.

Above all, he loved God, his devoted wife, Lenora, their children’s family, and the born-again Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus he was blessed to worship with and whom he expects to see again shortly when Jesus returns to rapture His church. 

In the words of Ernie, “What an honor.  You were all so good to me…Thanks, Luv ya.”

Memorial services for Ernie Challender will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church of Nazarene, with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Pastor William Covey will officiate the service. 

Friends may call for visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, Ernie’s wish for memorial contributions are to go to the church.