Joe Bowen Ernst

Joe Bowen Ernst, 71, of Weatherford died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at his residence.

Born Jan. 5, 1935, in Fort Worth, Texas, Joe was a resident of Parker County for several years. He graduated Theta Chi from University of North Texas in 1956 and was a retired Executive Bank Officer with 30 years of banking history. Joe worked for First State Bank of Odessa, Bank of North Texas in Hurst, Fair Park National Bank in Dallas, TexasBank of Weatherford and Weatherford National Bank. He retired from Southland Corp. after 10 years of employment. Joe was a life member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang and Boss in 1970, honorary life member of the Kiwanis Club, former President of the Optimist Club of HEB, a member of the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse and Eastland Methodist Church.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Essie Ernst.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Diane Ernst of Weatherford; sons, Gil Ernst and wife, Nicole, of Plano, Brandon Ernst and wife, Monica, of Bristow, Va.; brother, John L. Ernst Jr. of Houston; brother-in-law, Don Jernigan; mother–in–law, Opal Jernigan of Cross Plains; and grandchildren, Mercedes, Garrison, Austin, Cole and Tatum.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the First Baptist Church in Weatherford with Rev Tommy Galik officiating. A private interment will be held at a later time. Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Parker County Meals-on-Wheels.

Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel

913 N. Elm, Weatherford, TX 76086

(817) 594-2747