Michael Curtis Earnest was born December 7, 1924 in Coldwater, Kansas, son of Michael Curtland and Pearl (Shelton) Earnest. He grew up in Danville, Kansas and attended St. Rose Academy. Mike was baptized in the Immaculate Conception Church in Danville.

Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on March 12, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. Serving during World War II, he was stationed in the South Pacific area from July 1943 to July 1944, during which time he was wounded twice. He participated in action against the Japanese at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands and also in the battle of Saipan, Marianas Islands. Corporal Michael Earnest was Honorably Discharged on December 15, 1945 from the Marine Barracks, Naval Ordnance Plant in Pocatello, Idaho. Mike's service time was very important to him. Following his discharge he became a member of the DAV and the American Legion, where he served as Commander.

On January 26, 1949, Mike was united in marriage with Mamie Daleyne Wilson at the Sacred Heart Church in Anthony. They made their home in Anthony where they were active members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community. They shared 61 years of wedded bliss before Daleyne passed away in 2010.

Mike worked for Harper County Road and Bridge as a foreman before retiring. Throughout the years he also helped Lyle Harris, Ben McCann and CD Williams.

Mike was a kind and loving man. He was generous to a fault and a little ornery at times. He enjoyed doing origami, making flowers, hats and boats out of dollar bills.

On March 11, 2017, Mike passed away at the Anthony Medical Center at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Daleyne; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Donna Earnest; brother-in-law, Ramon Garancosky; niece, Jenny Garancosky Newman; and great-nephew, Danny Garancosky.

Mike will be deeply missed by his brother, Dean Earnest; sister, Dorothy Garancosky and her children: Mike Garancosky and wife, Thuan, Patty Gerdes and husband, Paul, Debbie Holst and husband, Barry, Tim Garancosky and wife, Chris, and Steve Garancosky; Gene's children: Bill Earnest and Ron Earnest; Daleyne's extended family; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Recitation of Rosary 9:30 a.m., Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Danville, Kansas.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Indian School or the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.