Ernest Bracewell

Ernest William Bracewell, Sr., 82, of Elgin, Texas passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at his home. He was born February 8, 1930 in Stockdale, Texas to Gaston Ernest Bracewell and Alma Leona Freeman Bracewell.
Ernest lived in Stockdale, San Antonio and Lytle, all in Texas. He graduated from Lytle High School in 1948 where he excelled in football, basketball and track. In 1948 after graduation he joined the U.S. Marines, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (1950-1951), he served in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1952.
On November 24, 1951 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle, Tx. he married his high school sweetheart, Adrene Leona Naegelin.
Ernest worked (1951-1968) for Armour Meatpacking Co. as a salesman. On September 1, 1968, he and his wife became owners of Southside Meat Market and Barbecue, Inc.
After moving to Elgin he became involved in many organizations including: President of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Police Commissioner of the Elgin City Council, chairman of the Elgin Housing Authority, President of Aqua Water for 21 years and served on its Board of Directors for 24 years. He was Director of First National Bank (Elgin branch), a member of the Elgin VFW, supporter of Lost Pines Riding Club and Elgin High School FFA, a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church; he also purchased and donated the depot that houses the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Elgin.
Ernest also enjoyed hunting with his family. He also cooked at the Ascension Catholic Church festivals in Bastrop for over 25 years.
His devotion to his family spread through 4 generations with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, brother; Carlos Bracewell, brother-in-law Bobbie Dreibrodt, son-in-law Johnny Williams.
Ernest is survived by his wife, children; Debra Diann and the late Johnny Lee Williams, Ernest W. “Billy” Bracewell, Jr. and Pamela Nichols, Brenda Joyce and Lawrence Valera, grandchildren; John Shawe Williams and wife Courtney, Bryan Ernest Bracewell and wife Rachel, Bradley Emmit Bracewell and wife Laci, Emmy Laura Williams and John McGee, Brittney Elaine Williams and husband Justin, and Richard Diego Valera; great-grandchildren, Emma and Hunter Williams, Chase and Nathan Bracewell, Ryli and Brody Bracewell and Cooper and Corynn Williams; sister, Betty Klaehn and husband Ronnie and sister-in-law, Lolita Bracewell; also numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:00pm Tuesday, March 27, 2012 with Rosary following at 7 PM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. Mass will be Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Elgin. Burial will follow in Elgin Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Williams, Bryan Bracewell, Bradley Bracewell, John McGee, Justin Williams, Richard Valera and Joel Bracewell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Emmy Williams, Brittany Williams, Rachel Bracewell, Laci Bracewell, Courtney Williams and his great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Elgin.

Services are entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, Elgin.