Clete Ernster, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Sunday evening, February 18. He was 94 years old and is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and his three children Phil, Tim and Sharon. Also by his daughter-in-law, Sherre Cantwell Ernster, his grandchildren, Clete Ernster III and Sharleen Ernster and his five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Solana, Sebastian, Evelyn and Luci who adored their Big Daddy. An honored veteran of World War II, Clete came to Cuero in 1942 from his home in Caledonia, Minnesota at 19 years of age as the youngest flight training officer in the Army Air Corps and served honorably as a decorated pilot in China. For his service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, and Presidential Citation. It is while stationed in Cuero that he met Kathleen, his adored wife of 73 years. In the 1950's he established Gulf Coast Kitchens in Cuero, later named Gulf Coast Wood Products from which Timco Industries was created in the early 70's. He was proud to have provided employment to many for over 30 years. In 1980 he was named Small Businessman of the Year from Texas and awarded this honor by then President Jimmy Carter at the White House. Clete loved his adopted hometown and was an active community leader for many years serving on numerous Boards. He and Kathleen also enjoyed a second home and community of friends in Rockport, Texas where he was instrumental in developing the Rockport Country Club. He will be missed by all who knew him. In 2012, he published his autobiography entitled "No Guts No Glory", a title that describes perfectly his approach to life's many challenges and opportunities.

Visitation followed by a Rosary will be held at Freund Funeral Home in Cuero on Friday, February 23 from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral mass will be at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Cuero on Saturday, February 24 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Cuero. Friends and family are also invited to gather after the burial for refreshments at St. Michael's hall.

Pallbearers will be Clete Ernster III, Charles Wilkinson, Anthony Sleiman, David Kacir, Gene Kacir, Bert Stubbs and Murray Tarkington. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Garrett, Bubba Steen, Arlen Goebel and Robbie Kirk.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Catholic School.