Earnest Ausmus

On the autumn evening of Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Mr. Earnest Ausmus, of Harrogate, Tennessee, finished his earthly race and was called to his eternal home to be with the Lord. He was surrounded by his loving family during his peaceful crossing.

Earnest Ausmus was born September 20, 1940, in Claiborne County, Tennessee to Mr. & Mrs. Cliva and Norie Ausmus; both of which he was preceded in death. He was also preceded in death by his dearest friend, Dee Middleton.

Earnest was saved by grace through faith in 1973. Upon his profession of faith to Bennett’s Fork Missionary Baptist Church, he was baptized on March 17, 1976, at the old Bennett’s Fork Baptist Church. Earnest remained a faithful member until his passing. He served many years as the church’s gate keeper, of which he was honored by the church and presented a memorial, in 2021.

Mr. Ausmus is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Mrs. Carolyn Ausmus; two sons, Scott Ausmus (daughter-in-law, Tammy) and Michael Ausmus (daughter-in-law, Angie); four grandchildren, twins, Brooke (Aaron) Sexton and Barton (LeShae) Ausmus, Dylan Ausmus and Emalee Ausmus, as well as, Dylan and Emalee’s mother, Laura Ausmus; and one very special great-grandchild, Cayson Scott Ausmus. Survivors also include his siblings; sisters, Diane Ausmus and Joann (Jerry) Cornett; and his brother, Bob Ausmus; as well as special friends, Jimmy and Sue Johnson.

Earnest Ausmus was revered as a fine Christian man, of upstanding moral character, by all who knew him. Known for his unwavering kind and friendly disposition, as well as willingness to aid others, he was loved and respected by hosts of family, friends, church members, neighbors and community. Mr. Ausmus earned an honest and hard working living as a truck driver for JR Lawson. He was devoted to the most important priorities in a Christian man’s earthly walk: his Lord and Savior, church, wife and family. The KJV gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verse 21, undoubtedly applies to that of which extended to Earnest, as he departed from this temporal life into his eternal life, “...well done thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

To honor the life of Mr. Earnest Ausmus, his family will receive friends on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from noon until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Music will be provided by The Barton Trio. Reverend Frank Noe, pastor of Bennett’s Fork Missionary Baptist Church and Reverend Richard Barnett, pastor of Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church, will preside over the service.

Pallbearers include Barton Ausmus, Dylan Ausmus, Aaron Sexton, Jack Barton, Brad Barton and Justin Barton. Honorary Pallbearers include Benny Barton, Mark Barton, Alan Barton and Blaine Mike.

Procession to Mountain View Cemetery, in Harrogate Tennessee, for graveside services will immediately follow the funeral hour.

The family of Mr. Earnest Ausmus would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital, Suncrest Hospice, Bennett’s Fork Missionary Baptist Church, Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church and Cawood Funeral Home.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Earnest Ausmus are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.