Marc Liston Ernest

Marc was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved son & brother, and best friend to many. He was first diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in February 2025. Even with this knowledge, he stayed strong and positive, continuing to live life on his own terms. He was a workaholic, but he knew when to take his well-deserved breaks. In September 2025, he was admitted to Mayo Clinic & Hospital, where he would survive many tribulations and hardships. He continued to fight as hard as he could, but ultimately, Marc would pass away on October 23rd, 2025, aged 51, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Marc was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on February 23, 1974, to his parents, Lewis Wayne Ernest and Judy Ernest. He was the youngest brother to Kristi Ernest and Matt Ernest. Marc was raised in Alum Creek, West Virginia, with his family and friends and would later move to Ohio, where he graduated from Cambridge High School.

Marc was fresh out of high school when he joined the U.S. Navy. This event would lead him to Yokosuka, Japan, where he and his wife, Toshie Ernest, would meet for the first time in 1994. In 1997, he was stationed in Misawa, Japan, 463 miles away from Tokyo, where Toshie lived. They kept their relationship strong by sending each other love letters back and forth during the time he was away. Marc and Toshie would date for five years before deciding to tie the knot in Hagatna, Guam, in 1999. Soon after their wedding, Marc was stationed in Lemoore, CA, where they would start their new journey together as husband and wife.

While their relationship undoubtedly had its ups and downs, they were blessed with three beautiful children: Rina (莉菜) Marie, Kent (賢人) Bryson, & Kai (加依) Clark. Their kids were also just as blessed to have been born to Marc and Toshie, “The Best Parents Ever.” With Marc, they had many opportunities and experiences that most can only dream of. He carried the weight of all their problems combined and wore a smile on his face. Marc let his family make mistakes, knowing they would always have a strong shoulder to lean on. Even after his passing, his kind heart and compassion showed. He made sure his family was prepared for any hardships without him.

In the Navy, Marc had met plenty of people far and wide across the globe, but few would become his lifelong friends, or rather, his second family. If there is anybody reading this who worked with Marc in the Navy, please feel free to share your memories with us. To our knowledge, the ships he served on are as follows: USS O’Brien (DD-975), USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), USS McCampbell (DDG-85), USS Gary (FFG-51), and the USS Ingraham (FFG-61). With his hard work and the support of those around him, Marc made Senior Chief Petty Officer before his retirement in 2017, after twenty-five years of service. Marc would go on to work after his retirement while studying for his Master’s Degree, which he would complete in 2022 for Management & Leadership.

Marc’s only objective on his bucket list was eating a Key Lime pie in the Keys and a cheeseburger in paradise, which he accomplished. The reason his family chose this specific picture is because, to them, it showed his true happiness. He had many happy moments along with the sad; however, he told his family that he didn’t regret a single thing and that he enjoyed this life with them.

Dad was the strongest man we knew. He was always tough on us, but he cared about us so deeply. He cared about us and our success, and even in his last moments, he reminded us how much he loved us and how proud of us he was. We will forever remember him and his sincere love for us.

We are so proud of you too, Dad, and we love you.

マークと出逢えた事一緒に過ごした日々は一生忘れない。

心からマークに伝えたいありがとう。

しばらくの間さようなら、私の時間が終わる時必ず迎えに来る約束忘れないでね。

I love you forever with all my heart, Marc.

I believe we can see each other again; this is not the end of our story.

The service will only be held for close family members, but your thoughts and prayers for the Ernest family are always welcome.