01/06/2026
Johnathon Winston Ezernack, age 43, of Joaquin, TX passed away on December 1, 2025 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX after a brief illness.
Memorial service for Johnathon will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2pm at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 13105 SH-7, Joaquin, TX, followed by a reception at Jackson MBC, 11120 SH-7 Joaquin, TX. Bro. Joseph Innerarity will officiate.
Johnathon was born on February 6, 1982 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a 2000 graduate of Southwood High School and served in the United States Air Force from June 2001 until January 2006. He was known to say he joined the military to see the world, and got stationed right back at home. After his military service he became a stay-at-home dad, fulfilling a dream he'd had since his teen years. Athena, his wife of 21 years, who also served in the United States Air Force for many years, made this possible. While Athena was stationed in San Antonio, TX, Johnathon volunteered at the boys’ elementary school coordinating the Watch Dog program that gave him the opportunity to be the big kid at heart that he was. He loved being able to be a positive influence in their lives and to encourage them.
Over the years Johnathon had worked at various jobs that included pediatric clinic reception desk, construction, server, mud engineer, restocking vending machines, and a call taker. While attending the same church camp he had once attended as a young boy where he accepted Jesus Christ to be his Lord and savior (Texas Camp #1 in Laneville TX) on July 14, 2022, Johnathon answered the call to preach. He attended Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute & Seminary in Minden, Louisiana. He had one semester until he graduated with a BS degree.
Johnathon was a joyful person from the moment he was born and never met a stranger. He grew into a man of God that was eager to share the gospel and serve in any and all capacities. He loved kids and served as a youth leader and happily volunteered each summer at camp. He taught Sunday school and brought devotionals whenever called upon to do so. For the last several years he organized youth events for the church youth and encouraged them to spread the gospel. In February 2025, he became the pastor of Bethlehem MBC of Joaquin, TX.
He and his family cheerfully supported the local sports teams at Joaquin High School, traveling to many games to cheer them onto victory. In many cases, he had nicknames for the kids and cheered for them loudly calling out to them during games and school events.
Johnathon was not a man of hesitation and did not like to wait, once he made his mind up on something he saw it to completion. He knew where he was going after this life on earth and was ready to go walk the streets of gold. He will be missed immensely, but his memory will live on in our hearts and what a glad reunion day that will be.
He is survived by:
Wife, Athena Ezernack of Joaquin, TX
Sons, Braylon and Xavier Ezernack of Joaquin, TX
Parents, Michael and Melinda Ezernack of Joaquin, TX
Brother, Ian Ezernack of Hot Springs, AR
Grandmother, Sandra Lowe of Keithville, LA
Aunt, Melissa Mitchell & husband Randy of Deberry, TX
Aunt, Martha Adams of Keithville, LA
Mother-in-law, Christina Chumley and Jeffrey of Harrah, WA
Father-in-law, Jesus Nunez & fiance Rhonda of San Jose, CA
Brother-in-law, Jesse Nunez of Las Vegas, NV
Brother-in-law, Elijah Chumley and wife Shaunacy of Yakima, WA
Brother-in-law, Reginald Chumley of Yakima, WA
Half-sister, Erika Rawls and Brian of Shreveport, LA
Niece & nephew, Kaylee, and Luke Chumley of Yakima, WA
And a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family
Johnathon is preceded in death by his grandfather, Lewis Wren Grace, grandfather Edward "Papaw" Ezernack & grandmother, Charline “Nanny" Grace. Honorary Pallbearers: James “Bubba” Colvard, Paul Boothe, James Grabbe, Brian Wassam
Pallbearers: Jason Carlisle, Levi Cohurst, Nathan Luellen, Jason Walker, Jaden Hurst, Michael Clark
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 234, Joaquin, TX 75954.
