Ernie Lovin Compton

Ernie Lovin Compton, age 59, of Decatur, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 2, 2025, at his family property in Jack County, Texas. 

Born on November 15, 1965, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ernie was the beloved son of Joy Leach and Marvin Compton. He grew up in Hurst and graduated from LD Bell High School, where his love for music began to flourish. A gifted guitar player, Ernie spent much of his life sharing his talent with others, playing in bands and later simply for the joy of it in the homes and garages of friends. He and some friends formed a Christian band The Father’s Business, where his faith and music came together in harmony. 

Throughout his life, Ernie worked in various roles, including at Mission Linen and in fish wholesale. His passion for nature was evident in the backyard oasis he created, filled with lush plants and ponds teeming with hundreds of koi fish. He cherished time spent fishing at the lake or in the woods, always finding peace in the outdoors. 

Ernie had a deep and personal relationship with God, often turning to prayer and spiritual reflection. His warm smile, easygoing nature, and genuine kindness made him a friend to many. He maintained lifelong friendships with fellow musicians and was known for his loyalty and love. Ernie found true happiness in life with his wife, Amy. Their journey together was filled with love, laughter, and faith. One of Ernie’s favorite things to do was share their story with complete strangers. They met in junior high school, where they locked eyes and were immediately smitten. They dated seriously shortly after high school, and after forty years apart, fate brought them back together—living just ten miles away from each other. The love that had always been there rekindled, and they were married on September 24, 2022.

Ernie faced Parkinson’s disease with quiet strength and grace. In honor of his courage and to support ongoing research, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in lieu of flowers.

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Compton; mother-in-law Zada Kimberling; sister Connie Palla and husband David; brother Chad Compton and partner Cristina; sister Tammy Leach and husband Stephen; stepmother Tammie Compton; stepsiblings Doug Jones and wife Kayla, Kelly Leach, Kim Leach, and Kevin Leach and wife Cindy; sisters-in-law Zada Mayhew and Fran Collins and husband Raymond. He is also remembered fondly by his cousins, Richard and Lee Mason, whom he considered brothers; his lifelong friend, Eric Knudson; and his “Momma Z,” Dorothy Zimmerman, along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his mother Joy Leach, stepfather Robert Leach, and Father Marvin Compton. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Rd., Hurst, TX.