Ernest Rangel Perez Sr.

Ernest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many. His genuine kindness and caring nature was extended to all who knew or encountered him. He was a Korean War Veteran and honorably served his country. As an entrepreneur, he opened a radio and TV repair business and later, applied his mechanical skills at Capitol Chevrolet and Roy Butler Lincoln-Mercury where he retired after thirty years of service.

Ernest’s passion was music. His love for music began at a very early age and throughout the years it thrived. During the 1950’s he played with his brother Ruben R. Perez Orchestra and formed his own band, Ernest R. Pérez y su Orquesta. He played with local groups Los Cinco Reyes, Los Vientos de San Jose Church and the San Jose Catholic Church choir. His talent range included alto saxophone, guitar, keyboard, piano, accordion, band leader and vocals. Given his vast musical range and accomplishments, Ernest was honored at the Mexican American Cultural Center Plaza in 2009 in an outdoor sculpture exhibit at the Trail of Tejano Legends and inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame - Class of 2019. His passion and influence in music will have an enduring impact and his legacy will live on through his family, countless friends, musicians and acquaintances for years to come.

Mr. Perez was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Castro Perez, father Blas Perez, mother Sara R. Perez and brother Ruben R. Perez.

He is survived by his sons, David Perez and wife Tracy, Louis C. Perez, Ernest Perez, Jr. and Diane Brosig, all of Austin; daughters, Delia Perez Meyer, of Austin and Irene Riddle and husband Larry, of Grapevine; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of a reception, please listen to your favorite music with loved ones and consider making a donation to swansongs.org who fulfills musical last wishes. The family would also like to offer special thanks to Joe Morales with Swan Songs and Stephanie Sepolio with Hospice Austin for their care and comfort during this difficult time.

A visitation for Ernest will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. A rosary service will occur Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 1:00 PM at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest Ave, Austin, TX 78704. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704.

Face Masks are required at all services, thank you. For those unable to attend, the mass will be livestreamed though sanjosechurch.org. Search and subscribe via Facebook or YouTube, you will receive an alert 15 minutes before the broadcast begins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Perez family.