Ernest Joseph Duhon, Jr, affectionately known as Ernie, was born on February 5, 1952, to Ernest Duhon and Helen Ledet Duhon in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Ernest peacefully transitioned to everlasting rest as God called him home on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 10:48 p.m.

Ernest graduated from Washington-Marion High school in 1970, where he met his bride, Ernestine Duruseau.  On August 15, 1970, Ernest and Ernestine celebrated the sacrament of marriage at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.  From this union, three children were born.

From a young age, Ernest was a loving husband and father. He was actively involved in his church and community. Ernest would proudly serve our country as a United States Marine, serving two tours in Vietnam.  Upon leaving with the military with an honorable discharge and highly decorated, he would settle in Lake Charles and begin his new life.  He began working at Citgo Petroleum Corporation as an operator and would continue through the ranks, retiring from Citgo as a Supervisor after 30 years of service. Then, his second life began. His experience in the petrochemical industry would be put to good use as he served as an instructor and academic advisor with Sowela Technical College. Over the last 13 years, he has been a devoted instructor, mentor, and life coach in the Process Technology Department to his students and peers from all ages and walks of life.  He, too, was also a student at Sowela.  He even was a limousine driver with Royalty Limousine when he wasn't teaching.

Ernest coached little league softball and baseball for many years. He was a member of the The American Legion, served on high school reunion committee, participated in various community events sponsored by his employers, passed out food baskets to the homeless, was a long time blood donor, and was a former member of The Knights of Peter Claver. In his spare time, he loved reading and spending time with his family, and could repair any car or truck by following the manual.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and niece.

Survivors are his children Melissa Duhon McKinney and Jerry L. McKinney, Jr., Ernest J. Duhon, III, and Cheryl L. Duhon.  He is also survived by his siblings, Gregory Duhon, Trevelyn Johnson, Matilda Durousseau, and Alice Duhon LeBlanc, and eight grandchildren, Tyler Duhon, Jason Duhon, Jeremiah McKinney, David McKinney, Jonathan McKinney, Naomi Jones, and Rachel Duhon, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, family, friends, and neighbors.