Earnest grew up in the Northeast Houston Community of Trinity Gardens where he attended Sanderson Elementary School. He graduated from Kashmere Gardens High School and went on to attend Texas Southern University. Earnest served in the United States Army from 1967-1969 achieving the rank of Sergeant and fighting in the Vietnam War. While serving in the military, he also received the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M-14), Marksman Badge (Rifle M-16), and 1st Cl Gunner Badge (Machine-Gun M-60). After leaving the military, Earnest worked at the United States Postal Service for 45 years as a mail carrier. Through hard work and dedication, Earnest had the distinct honor of working every scheduled shift without taking a day of sick leave. The post office presented an award to Earnest to recognize his level of commitment. After retiring from the post office, Earnest worked as a crossing guard for the Houston Independent School District. He enjoyed fishing and working on cars. He loved to watch football, basketball, and keeping up with track and field. Earnest would attend the City of Refuge Church until his health began to decline.
Earnest will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Guy & Velma Mae Barnett; brother: Henry L. Barnett; sister: Velma Livingston Bigsby. Left to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 53 years: Diane Livingston; sons: Chris Livingston (Toni); Jason Livingston; daughter: Valerie D. Livingston; grandson: David Johnson; brother: Newman Livingston, Jr.; along with numerous other relatives and friends.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Houston Hospice and Westchase Health & Rehab Center.
