Ernest Loyd Stublefield was born December 7, 1951 in Dumas, Texas. He passed away December 18, 2025, at his home in Branson, Missouri, at the age of 74.

Ernest grew up in the Texas panhandle, graduating from Channing High School in 1969. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Army on July 11, 1969. Ernest served with distinction for 21 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. His military career included service in Vietnam (1970-1971), Germany, Hawaii, Fort Meade in Maryland, and South Korea. He served as a telecommunications specialist and earned numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm and five Good Conduct Medals – a testament to his exemplary character and dedication throughout his military career.

However, Ernie’s favorite place of all was with Shirley and the grandchildren. It was like he had spent his lifetime training to be a Grandpa.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son, Matthew Stublefield and April of Springfield, Missouri; his stepchildren, Travis Cummings of Branson, Missouri and Tina Lambing and Chris of Kirbyville, Missouri; grandchildren, Simon, Isaac, and Gideon Stublefield of Springfield, Missouri, Alyssa Lambing and Chaz of Springfield, Missouri, Dylan Hart and Ashton of Goodman, Missouri and Crystal West and Guthrie of Lamar, Missouri; great-grandchildren Noah Lambing of Springfield, Missouri, Beau and Hazel West of Lamar, Missouri and Braylea and Charlotte Hart of Goodman, Missouri; two sisters, Derra McLean and Rod of Fritch, Texas, and Jenna Dunn and Matt of Salem, Missouri; his brother, Kelly Stublefield of Terrell, Texas; his stepfather, Olen Tate of Cedar Creek, Missouri; one aunt, Betty Coffman of Meridian, Mississippi; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Stublefield and Peggy Coffman, and two brothers, Andy Stublefield and David McFall.

He will be greatly missed.

Friends and family are invited, weather permitting, to the Ernie & Shirley’s home on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm to remember and celebrate Ernie’s life.

Cremation arrangements were in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.