The world has lost a phenomenally great hugger.

Ken, Kenneth, Kenny Boy, Pappy, Papa Bear was an exceptionally kind, hard working, and a genuinely caring father, friend, brother, and son. Ken lived his life in service of others and always talked about the importance of how you make other people feel. It showed in the way he befriended and talked (for a little too long) with everyone he met. The way he deeply cared about others and oozed love was obvious as he would make new friends with ease, and left one happier for having spent time with him.

Ken's passion was nature, and he shared his love of the outdoors and recreation through his life's work. Influenced by his days playing outside around Elizabethtown as a boy and enjoying the mountains in State College at university, Ken studied and received his degree in parks and recreation from Penn State. His career took off as the Director of Parks and Recreation in Hempfield. Countless members of the Hempfield community enjoyed the summer camps, after school programs, fitness clubs, bus trips, and recreation classes he helped produce. Ken spent the second chapter of his career at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources helping fund communities to build parks/trails throughout Pennsylvania. Ken was a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society and was awarded the Presidential Citation in 2020. The next time you take a stroll through a local park, Ken likely worked on it in some way.

In his retirement, he spent time riding his bike, walking outside almost every day, and talking cars. He rekindled long friendships and cherished spending time with his family and close friends. The good times included family dinners, going on nature walks and reading stories with his grandchildren, a lifetime trip to Hawaii, and welcoming his last grandchild only a few months ago.

He loved music a little too loud (maybe why he was hard of hearing) and passed that love on to his children. He was a self-proclaimed naturalist and always felt the need to sleep outside. He coached his daughters HYA softball team and rooted for his son all the way through him playing college football. He was a friend to many and could always be counted on for help whether it was reshingling a roof, weeding a garden, or just shooting the shit. He was loved by many and has touched the lives of his friends and family more than he will ever know. His bear hugs, words of support, and overflowing love will be missed most of all.

Kenneth Paul Earnest, 69, of Mt. Joy, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Ken is survived by his children, Carly Meyer (husband, Michael) and Evan Earnest (wife, Hong); his grandchildren Isabella, Jackson, Ethan, and Eden; his brother John Earnest; his sisters Crystal Mumma and Leslie Habecker; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Homer J. and Shirley A. (Paul) Earnest, and his sister, Barbara G. Fielder.

His life is best honored by striking up a conversation with someone (actually listening), giving time, energy, and support to your local parks, playing your music a little too loud, and most importantly never missing the chance to tell someone you love them. If you'd like to make a donation in Ken's honor, we have started a memorial fund to celebrate Ken's life's work in parks and recreation: Kenneth Earnest Memorial Fund

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when we can celebrate outside.