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Ernesto Pompa, “Ernest” to most family and friends, followed his late wife Frances into rest two days after what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Born in Devine, Texas, Ernesto answered the nation’s call in World War II. Ernesto was part of the “Walking 656th” Tank Destroyer Battalion, part of General George Patton’s 3rd Army, first activated at Camp Bowie, Texas on Easter Sunday, 1943 and nicknamed for the long marches that were a part of their basic and advanced training. After training, the 656th shipped to Europe on the USS Explorer, arriving Liverpool, England then moving quickly on to Holland, France and Belgium where the 656th saw its first combat on March 2, 1944. After that, the 656th was involved in multiple engagements, often spearheading advances with the 9th Armored Division. Ernesto served as a tank gunner and took part in the 3rd Army’s pivotal breakthrough to relieve beleaguered American forces holding the town of Bastogne during Christmas, 1944. That victory, in what came to be known as the “Battle of the Bulge,” repulsed the last major Nazi counter-offensive and the 656th joined other allied forces in continued advances East, crossing the Remagen Bridge into Germany on March 7, 1945. Soon after, the war in Europe was over, the 656th was back at the Newport News, VA. naval port by July 2 and on their way home. Back in America, Ernest traveled around for a time, eventually returning to Texas where he met and ultimately married Frances Bosquez in 1949, settling back in Devine. Children Robert and Belinda followed, and in late 1951, the family permanently relocated to San Antonio in 1951, where children Rebecca and Rachel were born. In San Antonio, Ernest held several positions over the years with local military bases, eventually retiring from a supervisory position at Ft Sam Houston. Family life in San Antonio was highlighted by frequent weekend visits in Devine with Pompa family members, Summer trips to the Texas coast, and backyard barbecues with children and grandchildren. Ernest is survived by his son Robert Pompa, daughter Belinda Harrison and her husband Joseph, daughter Rachel Serna, twelve grandchildren plus multiple great-grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Pompa will be on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Brookehill Funeral Home from 6-9pm; with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7pm. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine, TX; beginning at 11am. Interment immediately to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Devine, TX.

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Ernesto Pompa

March 14, 1923 - February 16, 2019