The Rev. Ernest Louis Whittington, 95, of Liberty, fondly known as Bro. Ernie, died Jan. 10, 2026, at his residence.

Bro. Ernie was born Nov. 7, 1930, in Liberty to Louis and Nancy Etheridge Whittington. He worked all his life, including shining shoes at the barber shop, as a waiter at a local cafe and as a page at the State Capitol, where he was nicknamed "Little Governor."
He joined the Air Force in 1949 and served 20 years, including the Korean and Vietnam War eras, before retiring in 1969. He then worked as vice president at a dry wall company for several years.

He married Bettie Sue Warden on Dec. 26, 1950. They were married for over 60 years when she died Aug. 5, 2011.

Bro. Ernie served as a minister for over 50 years. He pastored two churches in California. He retired from the ministry and he and Miss Bettie moved to Liberty around 1994. He then served as a supply preacher before being called out of retirement to become pastor at Enterprise Baptist Church, Liberty, in 1995, where he served 20 years.

Bro. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his six siblings.

He is survived by one daughter, Linda Sue Whittington Gordon of Old Town, Idaho; two sons, Dennis Wayne Whittington of Liberty and Larry Scott Whittington of Santa Cruz, Calif.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation is 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 and continues 10:00 A.M.. Friday, Jan. 23, until services at 11:00 A.M., all at Enterprise Baptist Church, 3601 Lower Liberty Gloster Road, Liberty. The Rev. Shan Van Norman will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery. Brown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.