Ernest Lee Calhoun, Sr., 89, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 31, 2021.  Born in Akron, Ohio, on September 17, 1932, to Ira Joe and Minnie Belle (Sommerville) Calhoun.  He was the second of 4 children and was named after one of his father’s close friends, Ernest Williams. An outstanding scholar and athlete, he attended the Akron Public Schools and served as his high school class president. He graduated from Garfield High School, in 1950.

Later, he attended the University of Akron, and married his first wife, Minnie Lee Jenkins. From that union there were born 4 beautiful children: Ernest Jr., Angela (Angie), Antoinette (Toni), and Andrea (Martea).

His second marriage was to Lucille Wallace. They were brought together via their pastor, and after dating a short time, were married on July 18, 1960. Ernest said it was not only his fond love for her but also his cooking that convinced her to marry him. They became a blended family, and together raised his four and her only daughter, Cynthia. They were together for 58 years, until Lucille’s passing on April 5, 2019.

Shortly after his marriage to Lucille, Ernest returned to college to complete his B.S. degree in Education while also working to support his family at the Post Office. Upon graduating from the University of Akron, he began his career teaching seventh grade English at West Junior High School. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in Counseling. He went on to serve as a school counselor at West until their closing, and later at McEbright and Rankin Elementary Schools. He retired from the Akron Public Schools in 1998.

After his retirement, Ernest pursued many hobbies, including teaching Sunday School at Macedonia Baptist Church and The Chapel.  He was also a founding member of Akron Alliance Fellowship Church.  He loved photography, studying the Bible and baking. He was known by many for his delicious rolls, pies, cakes and breads. Ernest had real enjoyment in preparing large meals for his family. Sometimes people would put in orders for rolls and pound cakes during the holidays!

In his later years, when he needed assistance, he was frequently with his granddaughter Melissa (Ricky) Powers, who would take him to church on Sunday mornings, and his son-in-law, John Hafford (Angie), who visited him almost daily and took him to doctor’s appointments. His dear friend, Charlie Beecher, would also take him anywhere he needed to go. In the last few months at his new home, Copley Place, he spearheaded a bible study that he led every Sunday. He was a doer of the Word and lived his life as a Christian and told everyone he knew about Jesus whether they wanted to know or not!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; son, Ernest Calhoun II; parents, Ira Joe and Minnie Bell (Sommerville) Calhoun; brothers, Joe Calhoun and Bill Calhoun; as well as two great-great granddaughters.

Ernest is survived by his four daughters, Angela (John) Hafford, Antoinette (Ernest) Brown, Andrea Marnet Forcum, Cynthia Phillips; daughter-in-law, Michele Calhoun; sister, Beverly Schuler; sisters-in-law, Jean Calhoun and Ann Calhoun. He was also blessed to have eighteen grandchildren, forty-six great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He prayed for them all by name, daily, and even sent a birthday card with a check for every single one. He will be deeply missed.