Ernest Jess DePung was born on September 28, 1904 in Honor, Benzie County, Michigan. He was the son  of Matilda J. (Titsworth, Moran, DePung) Knight and Jess DePung.

He was married to Marie Rector and they had three children:

  1. Arnold E. DePung (1923-2016)\

  2. Dawn Marlene (DePung) Pawloski (1933-2023)

  3. Ronald Lynn "Papa" DePung, Sr.

On January 11, 1991 at the age of 86, Ernest died in Muskegon, Michigan. He is buried in Rosedale Memorial Park in Tallmadge Township, Ottawa County, Michigan.

Marie who was born on February 20, 1905 in Cedar Springs, Muskegon County, died in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 24, 1978 at the age of 73.