John Lewis Ernst

Rev. John Lewis Ernst, age 86, of San Antonio, Texas went home to be with his Heavenly Father on April 16th, 2023. He was born on March 15th, 1937 in Groves, Texas to Louise Maher Ernst and Frederick H. Ernst.

John went to Baylor University, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree. He pastored Baptist churches in Southeast Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Louisiana. After retirement, he relocated to San Antonio, Texas where he continued God's work as the pastor of Freedom Baptist Church at the Lifetime Recovery Center for eighteen years.

John enjoyed woodworking, and two generations of grandchildren have enjoyed playing with the rocking horses, rocking chairs, and other heirloom toys and furniture that he made for them. He was hospitable, and many evenings were spent with friends playing 42 (dominoes), Rook, and Hand and Foot Canasta card games. He had an outgoing personality and loved meeting people and telling them about Jesus, something he did for many years with great passion and joy. Even during his last days, he witnessed to his caregivers. He was married to his beautiful wife Alene W. Ernst for 49 years and enjoyed spending time with their children Mike Ernst (Rhonda), Dr. Mark Ernst (Cindy), Kathy Gross (Dr. Steven Gross) and Robin Chesser (Cathy). John also had thirteen grandchildren Caitlin Ernst, Logan Ernst, Benjamin Ernst (Jennifer), Zachary Ernst (Kelley), Jesse Ernst (Claire), John Ernst, Stephanie Moore (Jeremy), Matthew Gross, Alyrose Manahan (Mitchell), Cassidy Chesser, Seth Chesser (Shannon), Caleb Chesser (Christina), and Will Chesser; as well as fourteen great-grandchildren, Wyatt Manahan, Cole Manahan, Easton Manahan, Beau Chesser, Brynna Chesser, Andrew Ernst, Levi Ernst, Zoe Ernst, Madeleine Ernst, Gideon Ernst, Molly Ernst, Jonas Ernst, Brea Ernst, and Hartley Moore who will forever cherish their memories with him.

John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Frederick Ernst; his twin brother, Virgil Ernst; brothers, Fred H. Ernst Jr., Edgar "Bo" Ernst and Elmer Ernst; daughter, Carol Ruth Ernst; and son, David Ernst. He is survived by his brother, William Ernst and many nieces and nephews.

He is greatly missed, but we rejoice that he is with his Savior that he loved and served so faithfully. We have peace, knowing that we will see him again.

Pallbearers are grandsons: Benjamin Ernst, Zachary Ernst, Jesse Ernst, John Ernst, Logan Ernst, Matthew Gross, Jeremy Moore, Seth Chesser, Caleb Chesser, Will Chesser, and Mitchell Manahan.

Officiating Service: Dr. Mark Ernst.

FUNERAL SERVICEWEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 20231:00PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

GRAVESIDE SERVICETHURSDAY, APRIL 20,20233:00PMTROUT CREEK CEMETERY