Walter Russell Ernst, 79, of Cementon, died Jan. 13, 2022, at home. He was the husband of the late Carol A. (Szilezy) Ernst for 54 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Russell and Mamie (Mink) Ernst.

He was a Whitehall High School graduate.

He was in the U.S. Marines until the end of his service in 1964 at the rank of lance corporal.

He was a material supervisor at Mack Trucks in Allentown and then Macungie for more than 43 years. He then worked part time as a material handler for Nazareth Brown Daub.

He helped design and construct the Neff’s disc golf course.

He is survived by two daughters, Tricia Beidler with Kyle of Murrysville and Katrina with David of Slatington; four sons, Brian of Bally, Matthew of Cementon, Joseph with Rhonda of Cementon and Zachary with Laura of Macungie; six grandchildren, Kasey, Olivia, William, James and Nicholas Ernst and Blake Beidler; three sisters, Violet Traugher, Doris Igoe and Joyce Klein; a brother, Carl; nieces; nephews; and extended family.

He was predeceased by two daughters, Tina Marie and Angela Louise; and a son, Christopher “Kip” Michael.

Contributions may be made to Peaceable Kingdom, 1049 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, 18052; or online at lvpeaceablekingdom.info.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.