Ernie was born in New Orleans, LA on December 17, 1951 to Voy Ernst Althaus, a geologist, and Betty Lane Lord Althaus, a social worker. He was the oldest of three children. Ernie’s childhood was spent in both Louisiana and Houston. He was a 1970 graduate of Westchester High School in Houston and in 1974 he graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Ernie took great satisfaction in his profession as a Chemical Engineer. While he worked mostly in the Houston area, his career took him to projects in Bangladesh, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. He was a longtime member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Ernie had a wonderful sense of humor, sense of fun, and sense of adventure. He very much enjoyed the outdoors. He was active in scouting during his childhood and participated in scouting with his son Paul. Ernie loved to hike, run, cycle, camp, and explore. He enjoyed the theater. He attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston for many years and met his wife Patti there. Ernie was social, had a bright and curious mind, and was always keen to learn new things.

Ernie leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Patti, son Paul, and daughter Laura; his two sisters and their families: Bess and husband Madison, and their children, Ernest, Eason, and Henry Graham; Ellen and husband Steve, and their children, Genevieve and wife Tracey Day and Max and wife Crystal Day and their daughter Amelia.

The family would like to thank the staff at CHI St. Luke’s Health - Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, TX for their excellent and compassionate care.

Donations can be made to Houston Area Parkinson’s Society.