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Ernest Harold Hawley passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Ernest or Ernie as he was known, was born on May 5, 1937 to Leander James Hawley and Leona Marie Hedderick Hawley in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the first of three children followed by his brother, Leander, Jr. (Nick) and his sister Myrna. When Ernest was ten years old his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. He attended Brackenridge High School and then joined the United States Air Force. On October 9, 1956, Ernest completed United States Air Force Air Training at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He then served our country in the USAF until his Honorable Discharge February 1, 1963. It was during the late 1950’s when Ernest met the love of his life, Edna Syring, who was also his sister’s best friend in high school. They married on April 18, 1964 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. A few years later, they welcomed their baby girl Cynthia Marie into the world on September 13, 1968. If anyone ever asked him about the day she came into the world, he would give the exact time she was born and explain exactly what she looked like. After Ernest’s Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, he went on to Civilian Life at Kelly Air Force Base. He worked at Kelly AFB as an Electronics Technician until November 30, 1990, when he retired from Civil Service. Soon after retiring, he joined Manheim Auto Auction and worked into his early 70s. Over the years, Ernest was very involved with his parish, Holy Name Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Men’s Club starting about 50 years ago. In 1985, he became a CCD Teacher (Religious Education) for over 25 years. Ernest and Edna were also involved in the Divine Mercy Group at Holy Name for the last several years and were in charge of the Rosary Rallies up at church. One of Ernest’s passions was being a volunteer at the Texas Folklife Festival every year starting in the 1980s. He enjoyed helping out at the Czech Booth and loved everything about the festival. If you knew Ernest well, you know that he loved learning every language that he could. He loved his German most of all because of his German Heritage. So when his daughter Cindy became a Highlands High German Dancer, he was proud and excited to always go see her dance. Everyone had to be careful mentioning German around him, because he was always ready for a quick German Lesson. He would share that gift with whomever would listen. He always wanted to try to speak German to all three of his Grandchildren, since they all took German in high school. Ernest always loved his summer vacation time with his family. Over the years they had many trips to the coast, Pennsylvania, Six Flags, Disneyland and so much more. His little family was his joy! After his daughter Cindy got married and had children, his grandchildren became one of the most important parts of his life. Ernest Harold Hawley is preceded in death by his parents Leander James Hawley and Leona Marie Hedderick Hawley and brother Leander, Jr. (Nick), Oscar Syring (father-in-law) Meta Hansmann Syring (mother-in-law), Elizabeth Syring Bienek (sister-in-law) Ernest is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years, Edna Marie Syring Hawley, daughter (Cindy Marie Hawley Rudd) son-in-law (Marvin), Grandchildren (Christel, Aaron and Caitlin Rudd), sister (Myrna Chaffin), Brother-in-laws (Charles Syring, Alois Bienek, Don Chaffin), nieces and nephews (Cathy, Keith, Patricia, John Wesley, and Robert)

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Ernest H. Hawley

May 5, 1937 - October 1, 2023