Earnest R. Collett, lovingly known by his friends and family as "Big E", of Roark, Kentucky, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on May 17, 1945, in Roark, Kentucky to the late Charlie and Laura Napier Collett.

Earnest's career began at a young age when he started driving a truck, initially for his family's logging company where he drove a log truck. In April of 1970, he made a significant step in his career by purchasing his first coal truck, which led to a successful span of operating a trucking company. He became a well recognized name in the trucking industry and throughout numerous communities.  Throughout his life, he took great pride in his vehicles, especially his coal trucks, ensuring they were always in top shape. His professional journey was not only a testament to his dedication and hard work ethic but also to his love for the trucking industry.

Beyond his life-long achievements, Earnest was known for his giving nature. He always had an open heart for those in need, consistently stepping up to provide help whenever he could.  He was a people person with a great sense of humor who enjoyed sharing light-hearted jokes.  

He cherished his hobbies, which included listening to Bluegrass music and being an avid collector of guns and knives. These interests brought him joy when he wasn't working.

Earnest "Big E" is survived by his son, Ernest Dean Collett (Carol) of Big Creek, KY; his brother, Bobby Collett (Linda) of Springboro, OH; and his sisters, Emily Collett (Marcus) and Donna Collett (Donnie), both of Roark, KY. He was a proud grandfather to Brittany Shell (Larry James) of Hyden, KY, Briana Larkins (Joshua) of Elsmere, KY, and Deana Collett of Richmond, KY. His great grandchildren Hunter Shell and Carson Larkins.  He is also remembered fondly by his son-in-law, Mike Europa of Roark, KY, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members and friends.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Laura Collett; his loving wife, Ruby Collett; his daughter, Laura Faye Europa; and several siblings, including brothers Fred Collett, Vernon Collett, Carl Collett, and Wiley Collett, and sisters Della Napier, Nell Collett, Fern Hall, Virgie Collett, and Mollie Roark.

The Funeral Service to commemorate the life of Earnest "Big E." Collett will be held at 1p.m. Monday, March 09, 2026 in the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Taylor Adams and Carl Brown officiating.

Interment will follow the services at the Collett Family Cemetery at Essie, KY with Malcolm Collett, Larry James Shell, Brandon Howard, David Collett, Johnny Brian Roark, Kenny Smith, Jamie Collett, Wiley Collett, Jr., and Jagger Bowling serving as pallbearers.  Charlie Collins, Floyd Buck Collins, Vernon Collett, Jr., Donnie Wayne Barrett, Robbie Collett, Uncle Tommy Collett, Vic McIntosh, Chester Barrett, Jr., and Big Dave Collett with serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Friends and family may gather for visitation from 5p.m. until 9p.m. - Sunday, March 08, 2026 at the Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home chapel.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home