Ernest DeWayne NationOctober 25, 1938 - January 7, 2016Ernest "Ernie" DeWayne Nation, 77 of Caldwell (Sand Hollow), Idaho, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at a local Meridian hospital of natural causes.Ernest DeWayne Nation was born on October 25, 1938 in King City, CA to Alfred James Nation of Texas and Lucy Lee Jones of Oklahoma. Ernie married Patricia Hall and to this union were born daughter, Kimberly Lombard and son, Mark Nation. Patricia and Ernie were later divorced. In 1979 Ernie started dating an old friend Kathy Steed and after 36 years together they were still the loves of each other's lives. Before moving to Idaho, Ernie was a partner in a pumping & sawing construction business. He was also an International Square Dance Caller for many, many years, traveling throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and South America just to name a few, until throat issues forced him to quit. After moving to Idaho in 1989 to care for his mother after his dad's passing, Ernie worked for Amalgamated Sugar in Nyssa, Oregon during the sugar beet campaign, until his health issues forced him to retire. Ernie loved life and especially enjoyed his Grandkids and socializing with his "buds" at the Caldwell Eagles Lodge & Caldwell Elks Lodge to which he was a member of both. Ernie is survived by his lifelong companion & partner of 36 years, Kathy Steed, his daughter, Kim Lombard of California and his son Mark Nation of Idaho. He is also survived by Grandsons: Garrett Mason, Jared Donvito, Daniel Nation and Adam Nation; Granddaughters: Brittany Mason and Jessie Nation; Great Grandchildren McKenzie Lombard, Carson Peterson, Kayden Nation, Peyton Mason and Cailin Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, AJ & Lucy Nation and his sister, Betty Binsacca. Ernie also leaves behind many other family members and friends. Ernie was a man of his word where a handshake was his bond. He will leave behind a legacy of love, friendship, kindness and generosity.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 1-3 PM at The Caldwell Eagles Lodge, 815 Arthur Street, Caldwell, Idaho. Cremation is under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Condolences can be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com