Ernest Ben “Ernie” Bugh, Jr., 88 passed away peacefully on Monday April 1, 2024, in Sugar Land TX. His good friend Hyacinthe Williams and caregivers made sure he was not alone. Ernest was born on July 16, 1935, in Houston, Texas to Ernest Ben Bugh and Myrtle Ellen Hall Bugh. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Ola Mae Stanley Bugh, daughter Patricia Ann Bugh, his sister Ellen Marie Bugh Harding, adopted brother William Ray Bugh and his very good friend Alces Paul Robishaw.
He is survived by his niece Melanie Ann Bowles & family, adopted niece Kimberly Lynn Patton, his close friends that took care of him for many years Hyacinthe Williams, Nina-Marige Viceisza and Kenn Fawn. His Godchildren Alex, Carley, and Juliana Buddenbaum and family.
Ernest graduated from Texas A&M University as proud Aggie in 1957 with an accounting degree and as a member of the Corps. He supported the university for several decades, attending home football games for many years. He was a member of many different organizations.
He proudly served in the United States Army until 1958. He was member of the Texas Army National Guard for 10 years. He then served in the 75th Maneuver Area Command of the United States Army Reserve and retired as a Colonel. He was awarded several military decorations including the prestigious Legion of Merit, Meritorious service medal, Texas Faithfull Service Medal.
Since his high school years, he always had summer jobs. Upon leaving active duty, he worked as a CPA for various firms and his father partnership CPA firm. After his divorce from his Ex-wife Veda Mae Greb, he later met Ola Mae Stanley at business meeting another firm and she later became the love of his life and getting married September 16, 1959. After his father retired Ernest became a partner with Mr.’s Pibil, Hopkins, and Maxey in firm and later bought out the partners to acquire full ownership. His wife Ola and daughter Patricia work with him at the firm. He retired in 2015.
Ernest was a member of the Masonic Organization. He was initiated to the degree of Entered Apprentice on 07,18/1990, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on 10/31/1990, and raised to the degree of a Master Mason on 11/29/1990. He was an endowed member of Gray Lodge No. 329. He was a Royal Arch Mason of Washington Chapter No. 2 and a Select Master of Houston Council No. 1
Ernest liked outdoor activities such hunting and especially looked forward to salmon fishing at Cedars Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska. He was always so proud to bring back home a large catch of salmon.
Unfortunately, his leisure time in retirement was disrupted by Alzheimer’s. He did fight this disease through generous contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in his wife’s and daughters names. During these terrible times Hyacinthe Williams provided him with assistance for him care 24/7 with wonderful caregivers over the years, Krystal Kelley, Nina-Marige Viceisza, Patsy Primus, Dita Lopez, Rosalie Williams, Erlett Westby, Olorato Selema, Rhonda Mc Lean, Marcie, Gilroy Arzu, Rayleen Williams, and Sherilyn Arzu. A special thank you to Dr. Parul Shaw and staff, Dr. Ryan R. Riahi of Derm Surgery, Dr. Bushra Cheema for their years of care and ACP Health Care Resources.
Ernest loved to travel with his family, visiting 49 of the 50 states. He was very interested in the ancestry of his family who came from Germany via the Netherland he enjoyed his visits to Germany, Netherland Belgium, England, and Ireland when his He enjoyed tending to his garden and greenhouse together with his wife, collecting and growing various plants from their travels, including orchids, plumerias, hibiscus, and poincianas. Ernest especially enjoyed fishing, venturing as far as Alaska for several summers to catch salmon and halibut. He spent most of his life living in the Houston area before moving to Sugar Land in 1997.
A funeral service for Colonel Ernest will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:30 AM at The Settegast-Kopf Company@Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
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