Ernest L. Bartlett, Jr.

Memorial services for Ernest L. Bartlett, Jr. of Lufkin will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Senior Pastor D. Nick Sholars officiating. Private entombment will be in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Bartlett was born January 7, 1926 in Lufkin, Texas the son of the late Jodie (Treadwell) and Ernest L. Bartlett, Sr. He passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Pinecrest Retirement Community in Lufkin at the age of 88.

Mr. Bartlett was a proud graduate of Lufkin High School, and teammate on the notorious 1943 Panther football team that fell just short of victory in the state championship game against Goose Creek. He served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II. He went on to attend Rice University, then completed his undergraduate degree at Stephen F. Austin. He married his high school sweetheart, Bobbye Lou York, on June 14, 1947.

Ernest joined his father, Ernest, Sr. in the insurance business, Bartlett Insurance Agency. In 1956, the firm merged with Lufkin Insurance Agency, forming Bartlett, Baggett & Shands. He remained active in the business until early this year. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and always active in the community. He worked diligently with the Lufkin Workshop & Opportunity Center, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and Lufkin Evening Lions Club.

Ernest, known to many as “Googie,” had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, deer hunting in particular. He was a catalyst in Pine Island Hunting & Fishing Club for decades. Whether hunting deer with his trusty Savage Model 99, or his trail cameras, battling pesky beavers, supervising a club project, or filling feeders, most weekends found him out there. Many club members’ first recollection of Ernest will be meeting him coming around a corner in his beat-up old Dodge pickup, scooting a bit faster than most folks dare. He truly loved the place.

He is survived by his bride of 67 years, Bobbye; his son, Bill Bartlett; his daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Ron Reasor; his son and (favorite) daughter-in-law, Ben and Hollie Bartlett; his twin sister, Josie Bartlett Spivey and brother-in-law, Dr. Dan Spivey; and grandchildren, Sabrina Utter and husband Duane, Eva Spera and husband John, Jay Bartlett, Jason Reasor and wife Susan, Scott Reasor, Madison Bartlett, and Alli Bartlett; and numerous great grandchildren.

Mr. Bartlett was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Marie Bartlett Sinclair; and brother-in-law, Roy Sinclair. Also his beloved four-legged companions, Buck, Phoebe, Pugsly and Gracie.

The family extends a special thanks to Hospice in the Pines for all they have done for Mr. Bartlett and the entire family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 805 E. Denman Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75901; to the Salvation Army, 412 S. Third St., Lufkin, Texas 75901; or to the Lufkin High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 150837, Lufkin, Texas 75915.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors