William Eugene "Gene" Ernst

William Eugene Ernst, age 92, was called to his heavenly home on September 18, 2025, in Fairview, Texas. He was born on July 4, 1933, in Burlington, Texas, to his loving parents Ollie Henry Ernst and Edna Hattie (Slama) Ernst.

Although his first name was William, Gene was the name that he preferred. He attended schools in Burlington and Rosebud, Texas, graduating at the age of sixteen. He was also a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Gene grew up on a farm and initially made his living farming land in the south-central Texas area. Although very successful as a farmer, he made a strategic move to Dallas in 1956, where he began his business career, went to SMU, and met his wife, Linda. They were married on February 10, 1961, in Dallas, Texas.

He wore many hats during his life. He worked as a computer programmer analyst, as a real estate broker, as a part-time farmer, as a member of several Lancaster City boards, as a member of the Parish Council at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lancaster, as a rental landlord, and as a judge on appraisal review boards in both Dallas County and Collin County.

Family was quite special to him. He loved family gatherings and holiday celebrations. He was a champion at barbeque cookouts, and he entertained family and friends many times.

Gene and Linda traveled on many cruises and made several memorable trips to Europe and the Holy Land. Las Vegas was a favorite destination as well. He enjoyed going to Lone Star Park horse races and was a member of the Jockey Club for over ten years. His favorite pastime in later years was poker. He played with several groups of friends and in tournaments in the casinos in Oklahoma and Las Vegas.

Gene was a member of the CRHP 19 group and in the group that brought this retreat to St. Michael in McKinney, Texas. As a result of this spiritual renewal, he also became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 2011. Gene enjoyed participating in many of the KC activities.

He was a man of deep, quiet faith. He unceasingly encouraged his family to rely on God, to pray, and to read God's Holy Word in the Bible. For many years, he and Linda visited people who were unable to attend church and delivered communion to them.

Gene touched many lives and led by example. His leadership was recognized by his family and those whom he encountered. He was willing to make time for anyone to listen, to counsel, to help in any way, or to simply console. He left his mark on the world and will be greatly missed.

Gene is survived by his loving family: beloved wife and soulmate of sixty-four years, Linda Ernst of Fairview, Texas; children, Jim Ernst of Dallas, Texas, Jan Esparza (Henry) of Allen, Texas, Sheryl Jurovic (John) of McKinney, Texas, Karen Hornick (Jeff) of Rockwall, Texas, and Michael Ernst of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, Justin Esparza of McKinney, Texas, Ashton Esparza of Dallas, Texas, Lauren Oliver (Ryan) of McKinney, Texas, Ryan, Joshua, and Kyle Jurovic also of McKinney Texas, Hunter Hornick (Haley) of Rockwall, Texas, Finnian Ernst of Austin, Texas, and Astoria Ernst of Cedar Park, Texas; great grandchildren, Ryker, Landon, and Kaiden Hornick; sister, Marlene Vanloh of Temple, Texas; and a host of extended family members and many friends who will miss him dearly and forever cherish his memory.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Edna Ernst, and grandson, Jordan Overlin Esparza.

A funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas 75002. The Rite of Committal in St. Jude’s Columbarium will take place at the end of Mass.

To honor Gene's memory, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Allen, Texas, or to the charity of your choice.