Darrel Ray "Ernie" Faulkner, age 71, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at University of Kentucky Healthcare in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on Friday, October 22, 1954, in Stanton, Kentucky, to the late Courtland Faulkner and the late Wandolene Neal Faulkner. Ernie graduated from Powell County High School in 1972 and devoted his career to carpentry, from building houses to working for Burke-Parsons and Bowlby and M & S Log Homes. He found joy in woodworking in his garage and cherished spending time with his grandchildren. An avid gardener, Ernie loved tending to his vegetable plants and canning the harvest. He enjoyed riding his side-by-side and golf cart and took pride in his tractor. Known for his good spirit and playful side, Ernie always put family first and faced life with a positive outlook. He enjoyed ice cream from Dairy Queen and eating hotdogs from Sue’s. Ernie also loved watching classic westerns, including "Gunsmoke", "The Virginian", and "Rifleman". Ernie is survived by one son, Colin (Amanda) Faulkner of Clay City; two daughters, Lauren (Robbie Dunn) Faulkner and Candace (K.J.) Hampton, both of Stanton; one brother, Jerald (Sue) Faulkner of Stanton; three sisters: Betty (Ernest) Foster, Donna (Terry) Boyd, and Tammie (Tony) Watson, all of Stanton; and five grandchildren: Hayden Faulkner, Graham Faulkner, Elliott Faulkner, Lilly Dunn, and Kennedy Hampton. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Kenny Wasson, will be held at the funeral home at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, August 21, 2026. Burial will be held at Darrel Ray Faulkner Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky, with Colin Faulkner, K.J. Hampton, Robbie Dunn, Aaron Boyd, Chandler Watson, and Courtland Watson serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Hoppy Parks, Lawrence Watkins, Reece Foster, Logan Faulkner, and James "Poke" Thelander. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.