"Ernest," as he was known to his friends and family, lived a varied life. He was born one of ten children in the area around Abilene, Texas, and grew up with his nieces and nephews, who were closer to his age than most of his siblings. After graduating from high school he obtained a degree in physics from Texas Tech University. During WWII he worked as an electrician maintaining the wiring of airplanes. After the war he married Florence Grace Burges, with whom he had three children. He worked in various jobs, finally retiring as a claims referee for the Texas Employment Commission in 1978. Following retirement, he and his wife moved to Canton, Texas, where he became a pillar in a local church, and earned a reputation as a local color character who was featured in the area newspaper for his techniques in catching gophers. Due to his failing health, Ernest and his wife were forced to return to the Dallas area in 1992. His residence was in Garland, Texas at the time of his death.
"Ernest," as he was known to his friends and family, lived a varied life. He was born one of ten children in the area around Abilene, Texas, and grew up with his nieces and nephews, who were closer to his age than most of his siblings. After graduating from high school he obtained a degree in physics from Texas Tech University. During WWII he worked as an electrician maintaining the wiring of airplanes. After the war he married Florence Grace Burges, with whom he had three children. He worked in various jobs, finally retiring as a claims referee for the Texas Employment Commission in 1978. Following retirement, he and his wife moved to Canton, Texas, where he became a pillar in a local church, and earned a reputation as a local color character who was featured in the area newspaper for his techniques in catching gophers. Due to his failing health, Ernest and his wife were forced to return to the Dallas area in 1992. His residence was in Garland, Texas at the time of his death.
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