Ernest Paul Fleshman Sr. was born on July 26, 1938, to Hazel Pannell and Raleigh Fleshman in Caperton, West Virginia.

Ernest was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Toronto, Ohio, where he served as a Deacon. After completing high school, he furthered his education at the College of Steubenville where he received both his Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting. Ernest entered the United States Army and served honorably during the Vietnam era. He worked as a supervisor for the Ohio Department of Transportation where he retired after 24 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Raleigh-Harold, Raymond, Hildred, James, Earl, and Jerry; two sons; six daughters; one granddaughter; and one great-grandson.

He is survived by his wife Willie Mae Fleshman; sons LaVaughn Beard, Ernest Paul Fleshman Jr., and Anthony Rice; daughters Patricia Stone, India Stone, Jerri Fleshman, Earther Rice, and Theresa Wilson; brother Odell Fleshman; sisters Margaret Reeves, Mary Anderson, Wanda Rose, and Janet Sloan; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 11, 2022, from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service, 12 noon, at the GREGORY-MARTIN CHAPEL, 255 S. 7th Street in Steubenville, Ohio. Reverend Robert Harris will deliver the eulogy. The interment will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 12:30 pm at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA.