Ernest Garth McLemore

Notes:

Ernest Garth McLemore, 97, of Valley Mills, Texas, passed away March 26, 2012, at Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton. Interment will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery at Norse under the direction of Foss Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. McLemore was born Jan. 16, 1915, in Edna, Texas. He was the son of Elbert and Mary Belle (Dyer) McLemore. He worked for the WPA in the 1940s. As a member of the Searsville Baptist Church, he was baptized in the Bosque River. In 1954, Mr. McLemore was confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church and has been a member ever since. He married his sweetheart, Evelyn Princella Carlson, on April 11, 1936, and she preceded him in death in 2009.

Ernest had been a member of the John Armstrong Masonic Lodge #291 of Valley Mills for over 69 years. He and Evelyn were members of the Cotton Palace Chapter of the Good Sam's Club, and they owned and managed rental property for several years. Their independent business, McLemore Trucking, operated from 1936 to 1977, during which time Ernest also worked as a farmer, rancher, real estate broker, good citizen, and donated many hours of community service, most notably his lengthy 27 years of service as a volunteer fireman. During his service with the National Guard, combat rifle team of Company K, 143rd Infantry, his team won the honor of Official Bodyguard of Governor of Texas for one year. Mr. McLemore reigned as the statewide billiards champion (1st place winner) for eight years in the Texas Senior Games, and Ernest and Evelyn were frequent participants and winners in Central Texas Domino Tournaments. If asked, Ernest invariably lists as his most prized accomplishments, his family, friends, and his striving to lead a good Christian life.

Mr. McLemore was preceded in death by his parents; wife; five brothers; three sisters; and a grandson, Rick Farrow.

Survivors include his sons, Harlan McLemore and wife, Caren, of Hillsboro, and Darwin McLemore and wife, Lu, of Normangee; daughters, Wanda Hines and husband, Donn, of Clifton, Shelba Bland and husband, Joe, of Valley Mills, and Dr. Jonelle Farrow Chizum of Valley Mills; sisters-in-law, Ursula Carlson, Edna Carlson, and Tootsie Carlson; brother-in-law, Al Carlson; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Sunset Home, Valley Mills Fire Department or charity of your choice .

Memorial guest book may be found at www.fossfuneralhome.com.

January 16, 1915 - March 26, 2012

Ernest married Evelyn Princella Carlson on 11 Apr 1936. Evelyn was born on 8 Aug 1917; died on 15 Jan 2009 in Valley Mills, Bosque County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]