Dr. Howard Ernest “Ernie” Mainprize was born July 22, 1969 in Salem, Arkansas, the son of Coy George Mainprize and Grace Anthem Sauser Mainprize, and departed this life on April 10, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Grace Mainprize; and two brothers-in-law, Van Baker and Jerry Harper.
Ernie is survived by the love of his life, Jacquie Sands; one son, Ethan George Mainprize, and Ethan’s brother and sister, Dagen Sands and Bailey Sands; four sisters, Pam Baker, Denise and Neil Sharman, Anita Harper, Connie and Michael Daniel; one brother, Keith and Rona Mainprize; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
He graduated from Thayer High School. After high school Ernie earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology with a minor in psychology from Missouri State University. He next earned his doctor of chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. He later obtained a nursing degree in West Plains, Missouri and was an RN.
Ernie was a chiropractor owning his own practice. He also loved to learn and teach and was an instructor at Missouri State University in West Plains, Missouri.
He was a Christian and grew up in the Church of Christ.
Ernie was involved in his community and served on the Thayer Special Road District. He also served on the Oregon County Ambulance Board and the Rose Hill Cemetery Board.
He liked flying, especially his powered parachute. He was often seen flying over Thayer. Ernie was also an automotive enthusiast, restoring and working on cars.
Ernie’s greatest love was spending time with Jacquie, his son and his family and friends. He felt that memories and experiences were more important than any worldly possessions. He will truly be missed by his family and all that knew him.
Funeral services for Dr. Howard Ernest Mainprize, age 51, of Thayer, Missouri will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to service time at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
April 12, 2021 @ 10:32 am
With sincere condolences to the siblings and son of Ernie. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 12, 2021 @ 5:18 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family ?
April 12, 2021 @ 7:03 pm
Dr. Mainprize and I met in chiropractic college nearly 28 years ago. We lived 5 hours apart and didn’t see each other in person much, but rarely did a week pass that we didn’t text or call one another and share about our family, friends, and practice. To the family he leaves behind, know that he was most happy when you were all together. The picture he sent from his 50th birthday has been my most recent phone contact photo, because he said it was such a good time, and I wanted to keep that day alive for him.
Jacquie, Ethan, Dagen, and Bailey. He bragged on all of you, all of the time. You may not have known how proud of you and how much he loved all of you, but we rarely talked when he didn’t give me an update.
To his flying buddies, you should know that the airport and flying was the one thing that could always make him feel better. Part of that was flying. Part of that was just being around all of you. Less than a week before his passing, he had me drive to the airport, knowing the roads would cause him pain and the exertion would result in much fatigue. He needed to feel some of the joy, that place and memories could provide, and it did work it’s magic for a short time.
The friend I called Howard and all of you knew as Ernie, left us too early. I will miss him terribly… until we most certainly meet again in Heaven.
April 12, 2021 @ 8:42 pm
Connie and family, my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Ernie.
April 12, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
Howard was a friend, a voice of reason, a man who didn’t know limits, sprinkled wisdom with a grin, smiled often, and helped others regardless of his own pain. He will be greatly missed by his RN classmates. My heart goes out to the family. Just know you are each wrapped in our love.
April 14, 2021 @ 8:18 am
Prayers of comfort for all those who loved Ernie. So sad.
April 14, 2021 @ 5:21 pm
Connie, so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and all your family.
April 14, 2021 @ 8:22 pm
He will be missed as a college instructor. I’m so sorry for your loss.
April 15, 2021 @ 6:56 pm
So very sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing, Our love and prayers with be with your family. The Landes Family.