Ernest Arhur Ramsdell

We rejoice in the life of our father, Ernest Arthur Ramsdell, who passed quietly from this world Wednesday evening while napping in his easy chair and watching television, exactly the way he wanted to go. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

A graveside service will be held at noon Monday, December 13, 2010 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home. All who loved him are welcome to attend. The family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of San Angelo or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers. We would like to thank all of our dad’s friends at Rio Concho Patio Homes for bringing happiness and community to his life this last four years and all of his other new and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Wynona Bearfield Ramsdell, his parents, Kenneth and Elsie Ramsdell, and his brother, Norman Ramsdell.

Survivors include his sister Kaye Olson Varner of Raleigh, North Carolina, his children Rev. Stephen Ramsdell and wife Susan of Waco, TX, Rev. Mike Ramsdell and wife Rhonda of Mansfield, TX, April Ramsdell of San Angelo, TX, and Julie Wade of Austin, TX. He had twelve grandchildren he loved and was so proud of including Julie Corbett and fiancé Jason Green, Michael Ramsdell and wife Gladys, Kelly Grieser and husband Chad, Aaron Ramsdell, Matthew Ramsdell and wife Beth, Deborah Ramsdell, Christopher Ramsdell and wife Raschael, John Rowe and wife Johonna, Christyn Rowe, Adam Rowe, Lindsay Gibson and husband Rick, and Bonnie Wade. His great-grandchildren gave him much joy: Mackenzie, Kendall, Ryan, Quincy, Cate, Henry, Cody, Kylie, Levi, Kaleb, Grant, and Katy. He was also survived by many much loved nieces and nephews.

Our father was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on May 20, 1928. He was raised in Millis, Massachusetts where his family owned a dairy farm. He loved sports and was captain of his high school football team as well as president of the senior class and president of the local 4-H Club. He attended the University of Maine in Farmington and joined the U.S. Air Force in March of 1949. Ernest received his pilot’s wings and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in March of 1950 at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. He married the love of his life, Wynona, on February 13, 1951. They met while he was serving his country as a flight instructor at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo. Following their marriage, he served as a fighter pilot in Korea and served remote tours in Alaska and Viet Nam. He enjoyed his job as Chief of Combat Operations in Okinawa and his work with the SR-71 Program. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1970 he worked as a stock and bond representative and then worked with Town and Country Food Stores until retirement. After retirement from his second career he enjoyed his family and playing tennis, golf and bridge. He was a charter member of Sierra Vista United Methodist Church and held many leadership positions there. His church was important to him as was his work with Hospice and his community at Rio Concho Patio Homes. He was most proud of his entire family, especially his wife, Wynona, and his four children.

Dad followed God’s greatest commandment to love one another and we know how very much he loved us. He quietly went about helping others in any way that he could up until his very last day. He was a good and Godly man and an amazing father who taught us so much. “To God Be the Glory!” See you later Dad!

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.