Ernest O. Sylvester

Ernest O. Sylvester, 93, of Beaumont, Texas, departed this life on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Ernest O'Neal Sylvester, 93, was born March 2, 1932, in Roganville, TX to Richard & Emma (Rhodes) Sylvester. Ernest was the youngest of eight siblings and preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Lorene Marsh, Lillian Bailey, Mae Jessie Sellers, Mary A. Simon, and brothers; James Sylvester, Roy Sylvester, and Floyd Sylvester.

As a young child, Ernest completed 1st through 10th grade in Clear Creek (Roganville) and moved to Beaumont, TX, to complete high school. Ernest graduated from Charlton Pollard High School in 1949.

Ernest enrolled at Prairie View A&M and was a captain in ROTC. Ernest received his bachelor's degree in mathematics. In 1953, he was called to active duty, and sent to basic training at Fort Benning, GA. As the Korean Conflict ended, Ernest, a 2nd Lt, was obligated for 2 years on active duty and 6 years inactive. The Army, under an early release program, gave officers an opportunity to go back to school to earn a master's degree. Ernest was accepted at Texas State University (TSU) where he earned his master's degree in mathematics and later offered a job as a substitute teacher earning $100 a month. Ernest later accepted a job at Hebert High School in Beaumont, TX under Mr. Price and taught 9th & 10th grade math for one year.

Still driven, Ernest applied and was offered a job at the National White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), in New Mexico. Ernest was employed as a data analyst to convert data collected from the surface-to-air-missiles to numbers. He provided the converted data to contractors for real-time updates to the system.

After retiring from WSMR, Ernest continued to share his knowledge and taught math at El Paso Community College for 17 years. In 2007, Ernest moved back to Beaumont, TX, to be near family.

Ernest enjoyed interior decorating and gardening and had a special talent for making anything he cooked taste good. Friends stated that their wives were good cooks but anything E.O. brought always tastes better. Ernest's hospitality was unmatched and his door was always open to family and friends. The example he set with his life and advice he gave to his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins was respected and appreciated. Ernest leaves to cherish his memory with the many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends he made along the way.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Mortuary Chapel with interment at Houston National Cemetery under the direction of Calvary Mortuary staff.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. on Saturday at the Chapel.

Ernest's love and memories will remain in the hearts of his many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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