Ernest Lawton Munn

Ernest L. Munn

January 5, 1930 – March 21, 2024

Ernest “Ernie” Lawton Munn, 94, of Gambrills, MD died from Covid the morning of March 21st.

Ernie is survived and deeply missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Verna Joy (Newton), daughter Cheryl Munn Wright and her husband Mark Wright, Jacksonville, FL, daughter Carol Munn, Gambrills, MD, granddaughter, Kelly Donkin, Spring City, PA, and grandson Tom Donkin and his wife, Courtney Chu Donkin, and their infant daughter, Evelyn, Philadelphia, PA.

Ernie was born in Camden, SC, to Earlie E. Munn and Margaret “Maggie” West Munn, both deceased. He was the youngest brother to Margaret Munn, Clarine Montgomery, and Voncile Lee, who have also passed away. Ernie has numerous beloved nieces and nephews across South Carolina, Colorado, Texas, and beyond.

Ernie’s woodworking hobby evolved to him becoming a skilled woodworker. Ernie and Verna collaborated on many projects under their ELM Woodshop, from fine furniture and clocks to toys for grandchildren and gifts for friends. All of Ernie’s creations feature a heart, to symbolize his love for Verna, and it was a throwback to their Valentine’s Day wedding. Neighbors often stopped by Ernie’s workshop (aka the garage) to chat and to see his latest project.

Ernie was a man who could not be idle and was known for his incredible work ethic. He began working before his teens as a grocery store clerk to help his family financially. He attended the University of South Carolina, Clemson to learn accounting, until he was drafted and then enlisted into the Air Force in Nov. 1951. In the Air Force Ernie became a Russian linguist. He served in the Korean War and was stationed all over the U.S. and Europe. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant on March 1, 1974, after 22+ years of Air Force service.

Ernie was honored with the Legion of Merit award from the National Security Agency/ Commander Security Service (NSA/CSS) on June 10, 1974. The award is for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.” Ernie was the first enlisted person to receive the Legion of Merit from NSA according to the NSA/CSS Director.

On March 4, 1974, Ernie began a new chapter as a civilian NSA employee where he worked for another 28+ years. He retired for all of seven years and stayed busy as an active volunteer at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church. Ernie and Verna ran the church prayer chain for two decades. He served on the Finance Committee and supported Verna's volunteer work with the Methodist Women (Women of Faith). Ernie was also a member of the Odenton Masonic Lodge and the Annapolis Woodworkers Guild.

After 9-11, the government needed people with his skills. Ernie took a job with Raytheon and later he went back to work for NSA. He loved being back in the game and serving his country. Ernie finally retired for good in May 2010 with 52+ years of federal government service.

In 2015, we learned that Ernie was one of the original Men in Black when the Air Force declassified its files on UFO’s (Unidentified Flying Objects). As a young Airman stationed at McGee-Tyson Airport in Tennessee, his job was interviewing people who reported seeing UFOs throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Ernie said he never encountered a case where he thought the UFO sighting was real.

Ernie treasured his family and never stopped worrying about or caring for them. Even with dementia, Ernie was always the consummate gentleman. He kindly opened doors and tight jar lids, insisted on carrying heavy things, brought chairs in when he noticed people standing, and paid for restaurant meals. Ernie loved his computer and showing his daughters the latest things he learned.

Ernie will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a dedicated patriot who served his country with honor.

The family will receive friends at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, 1239 Murray Road, Odenton, MD on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will follow to Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville at 2:30 pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest Lawton Munn, please visit our floral store.