Thomas F. “Tom” Earnst, Sr, age 78 of Bridgeport, passed away at his home with loved ones by his side on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Thomas F. “Tom” Earnst, Sr, age 78 of Bridgeport, passed away at his home with
loved ones by his side on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. He was born October 7, 1946, in
Bridgeport to John and Marjorie (Seed) Earnst.
On May 7, 1982, Tom married the love of his life, Lois Lukens. One day shy of 43
years; they lived life together, raised their family, and made many beautiful memories.
Tom graduated from Bridgeport Township High School and soon after entered into the
United States Army. He served during Vietnam in the Corps of Engineers.
He and Lois had attended the Free Methodist Church in Bridgeport. He had served as
the Road Commissioner of Bridgeport Township and was a welder. Tom truly enjoyed
his time as a volunteer fireman for Bridgeport Township and Christy Township Fire
Protection Districts and as an Auxiliary Policeman. Volunteering and helping others
was truly a calling for Tom. He also enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets, rabbit
hunting, and playing euchre with his brothers-in-law. If Tom liked you, you knew it.
He loved to stir the “pot” and give his friends a hard time.
Those to carry on Tom’s legacy include: his wife- Lois Earnst of Bridgeport; two
daughters- Tara Earnst of Bridgeport and Sara (Gary) Hough of VanWert, OH; one
son- Tom Earnst, Jr. of Fairfield; four grandchildren- Sara Warner, Morgan Dunlap,
Brilyn Earnst, and Dawson Pinkstaff; several loved great-grandchildren; four sisters-
in-law- Janet Earnst of Vincennes, IN, Deb (Richard) Rhinehart of Bridgeport,
Beverly (Allen) Tresise of Lawrenceville, and Theresa (Dwayne) Greene of
Lawrenceville; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: parents- John and Marjorie Earnst; five brothers- John
(Sharon), Bill (Barbara), Ronnie (Wanetta), Ed (Mary Jane and Betty), and Terry
Earnst; and sister-in-law- Susan Brinkman.
A visitation will be held at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport on Monday,
May 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow
immediately at Bridgeport City Cemetery.
Those who wish to give a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers can give to the
family for a monument directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can
be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
