Lieutenant Ernest Welburn Hinkle Jr.

On Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 90 a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend left this world to be with his loving Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Welburn Hinkle, Sr. and Ethel Agnes West Hinkle and his sister, Carolyn Marie Hinkle.

Ernie was born on August 11, 1932, in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. He honorably served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force, retiring with a rank of Staff Sergeant in the 27th Fighter Wing Squadron and 808 Air Force. He was in the Korean War and served in Japan twice, England, Wake Island, Bermuda and Midway Island. He ultimately reached the Austin area being stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. He also worked at Cash & Carry for 16 years as a butcher to help support his family. He was commissioned as a law-enforcement officer with the Austin Police Department in January 1961. Among his most valued moments were: being involved with the starting of Blue Santa; receiving over 200 commendations and awards; the Ernie Hinkle Humanitarian Award named after him and given to a graduating cadet from each cadet class who are nominated by their peers. He loved being a street cop and remained on the streets until he retired on November 25, 1995, after 35 years of service to the City of Austin. After retirement, his family moved to Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Throughout his adult life, Ernie coached various sports teams, not only for his children and grandchildren, but at places like the Boys and Girls Club in Marble Falls, Liberty Hill schools, and various places in Austin. He was on the Board of Directors of the Austin Boys Club for many years.

Ernie loved his Lord with all his heart. He grew up in the Concord Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In Austin, he was a member of Crestview Baptist Church, and most recently, was a member the First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls. Ernie also belonged to the Blazing Star Masonic Lodge in Marble Falls and received the Golden Trowel Award on June 14, 2010, and his 65-year pin on June 14, 2021.

It is said that his heart is bigger than his body could contain. He was beloved by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Hinkle, sons Ricky Allan Hinkle (Candy) and Donovan Shane Ruede, daughters Vickie Cheryl Baker (Greg) and Dana Tische Smith, eight grandchildren: Travis Ryan Baker, Coby Allan Hinkle, Brittney Elyse Majefski, Corey Neal Hinkle, Jacob Glenn Smith, Nicholas Shane Ruede, Jackson Kyle Smith, and Cale Hammarstrom; great grands: Emma Hinkle, Cason Hinkle, Hayden Hinkle and Holden Hinkle; dear cousins: Sandra McIntosh (Gene) and Tommy Gary (Debbie).

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation - March 30, 2023, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 Highway 281 North, Marble Falls, TX 78654, Burial - March 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Capital Parks, 14501 North IH 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660, Celebration of Life Service - March 31, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Scottish Rite for Children, P. O. Box 199300, Dallas, Texas 75219-9842 or Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 3201 Cross Timbers Road, Bldg. 4, Suite 300, Flower Mound, Texas 75028.