The Earnest Kerby Memorial Scholarship was established in 2024 by his family in memory of Earnest.  It provides scholarships to those students who wish to attend a Technical School in the area of Building Trades, specifically in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or building construction.

Earnest (better known as Earnie by those who knew him) attended high school in Wagner, SD, graduating in 1964, although he was born and raised in the state of Missouri, moving to SD in 1960. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, but did not pass his physical due to a missing finger.  This change in plans led him to a job at Stedronsky Brothers in Wagner and a 46-year career in plumbing and heating. He moved to Aberdeen in 1967 working for Redlinger Brothers and for various other plumbing businesses. First as an apprentice and then earning his Journeyman’s License.  In 1979 he earned his Master Plumber’s License and opened his own business, A & E Plumbing.  He owned and operated this business until 1989 when he went to work for the Aberdeen School District as their Boiler Engineer and HVAC Technician. He worked at this job until his retirement in 2009. After retirement, he pursued his passion for woodworking, building his own wood shop, and giving new life to antique furniture and designing and creating his own furniture which is treasured by the many recipients.

Earnie was not only skilled at plumbing & heating, but also in electrical and building construction.  There was rarely a time that he could not solve a problem and he enjoyed sharing his love of the trades with those who showed an interest.  He was a man of pride and integrity. He was proud of his southern heritage, his family, his work ethic, and his church of which he was a charter member, meaning he was an integral part of its inception.

Earnie died on December 11, 2018, after a year-long battle with cancer.

As of February 5, 2024, the Earnest Kerby Memorial Scholarship Restricted Fund balance is $4,000.

For more information about or to contribute to the Earnest Kerby Memorial Fund, please contact the Foundation Office at 605-725-7118 or Gretchen.Sharp@k12.sd.us.