Ernest T. Casanova, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in Jourdanton, Texas at the age of 80.  Ernest was born to Jose and Julia Casanova (Trevino) on September 14, 1942, in Poteet, Texas

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gregoria (Greg) Casanova, of Jourdanton; son, Joseph E. Casanova; grandchildren, Cole Evan Nichols, Callista Shae Nichols, and Danica Lynn Nichols; and sister, Josie Basaldua, all of San Antonio; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernest was preceded in death by his daughter, Senta C. Nichols, of San Antonio; parents, Jose and Julia; sisters, Mary Reyes and Eloise Casanova, both of San Antonio, and Lucy Ochoa; and brother, Jesse Casanova, both of Poteet.

He served in the United States Army and saw combat during the first years of the Vietnam War in the 1960's.  Upon his return, he worked for the Texas Highway Department, HB Zachary, and San Miguel Electric Coop, until his retirement in 1993.

Ernest became involved in the community by serving for one year on the Jourdanton ISD School Board in 1979.  He also joined the local VFW and Lions Club.  His favorite hobbies included playing baseball, cooking chili, hunting, fishing, and playing pool.  He coached Little League Baseball in the early 1970's and organized a softball team for San Miguel called "Ernie's Animals" in the early 1980's.  He later umpired softball in the late 80's and early 90's.

Throughout the early 80's, he also competed and won various chili and menudo cookoffs with his famous "Boilermaker Chili".  Ernest also took his love for fishing to the competitive level where he participated in and won various contests all over South Texas.  He later belonged to the Gallegos Pool Team called "The Tigers", which won the Atascosa 8-Ball Association Summer League Championship in 1998.

He was affectionately known as "Dad", "Grandpa", "Uncle Casey", "Ernie", "Neto" and "Ernesto".  Ernest will be greatly missed.

The family will be receiving family and friends for visitation, Friday, June 30, 2023, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the rosary being recited at 7:00 pm at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Pleasanton.  Mass will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Jourdanton, followed by interment at Madre Dolorosa Cemetery #2 in Poteet.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eusebio Pacheco, Jacob Colunga, David Garza, Mike Aguilar, Silvino Ramos, Brandon Fonseca and Luke Garcia.

For anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family, share memories or sign the online guestbook, you may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com