Earnest J. Bright

Earnest J. Bright, 93, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, August 31, 2026, at Silver Palms Assisted Living.

Earnie was born May 4, 1933, in Wayne County, Iowa, the son of Ivan and Louella (Bloom) Bright. He graduated from Corydon High School in 1951. Following graduation Earnie enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. On December 23, 1956, Earnie was united in marriage to Martha Bates at Finley Chapel United Methodist Church. He owned and operated B and B Trenton Shell for several years while he also worked as an Army Recruiter. Earnie continued his military career, where he spent a combined 30 years proudly serving in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He retired as Sergeant First Class in June of 1993. Earnie was extremely proud of his military service and was overjoyed to be a part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight in May of 2025.

Earnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and antique cars. He loved traveling to Arizona with Martie in their motor home. Time spent with family was one of Earnie’s most treasured past times. Earnie loved having meals at Jefferson Street Grill, making friends, many of which turned into a second family for Earnie. He was a member of Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, and the American Legion. Earnie found great fellowship through his Sunday School class, the Gleaners, and New Life Grief Support Group for widowers.

Earnie is survived by his three children Brenda (Mike Wheelock) Bright of Ames, Sharon (Bill) Beattie of Mount Pleasant, Douglas (Karen) Bright of Keokuk; six grandchildren, Renee, Cameron, Alicia, Joe, Greg, Rachelle; one step-grandson James (Carley) Beattie; six great grandchildren Sawyer, Brady, Layne, Gunner, Tripp and Finnegan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Martie in 2019, daughter Linda Fear in 2021, sister and brother-in-law Glaydes and Robert Hart, and nephew Charles Bates.

Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, Pastor Lindsey Ford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Finley Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Iowa Military Honors Detail. Memorial funds have been established for St. Jude Research Hospital, Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, and Finley Cemetery. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Earnie and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com