Ernest “Ernie” Wayne Munkres

Ernie Munkres, 84, of Amarillo, TX went to be with the love of his life, Bettie, on February 17, 2020.

A memorial service for family will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd, with Dr. G. A. Roach officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo. Family will have fellowship following the service at 5:30 pm at the Firefighters Union Hall, 613 SE 46th. BYOB and make sure to bring all your favorite memories of Ernie.

Ernie was born in Hollis, Oklahoma to Joseph and Sfrona Munkres on December 2, 1935. He attended and graduated from Dumas High School, and spent much of his time there playing basketball and participating in other sports.  Ernie also had a love for music.  He was a member of a band called “The Amazing Rhythm Orchids.” Members of the band included Jim Bowen and Donnie Lanier. Ernie’s time with the band was cut short when he joined the United States Army, where he served his country for two years.

Ernie married Bettie Lou Emerson on January 27, 1956. They moved to Amarillo, and Ernie started working at Pioneer Natural Gas. While working there, he worked multiple side jobs to support his family. He then started working at BNSF where he retired. During his early career, he volunteered many hours to both the church and Kids Incorporated.

Ernie never met a stranger. He loved people and everyone was his friend. Ernie had a love of simple photography. We will forever have so many memories captured in his photographs. His hobbies also include fishing and golfing with friends and family.

He loved and was loved by all of his nieces and nephews and all of their families. He was everyone’s favorite “Uncle Ernie”. He was adored by his whole family.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Bettie Lou Munkres, his beloved mother and father, and his siblings, Homer, Ralph, Debbie, and Joy.

Ernie is survived by his sister Neva, and brother Doyle and wife Peggy, his children; Kerri Munkres, Tim Munkres and wife Gail, Mike Munkres and wife Dana, his grandchildren; Chad Munkres and wife Chelsea, Tyler Munkres, Todd Munkres and wife Dede, Molly Munkres, Jamie Aston and husband Conner, and Taylor Munkres, and his great-grandchildren; Cannon Munkres, Addie Munkres, and Ryder Munkres.

We have to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and volunteers at BSA Hospice of the Southwest. We would especially like to thank nurses Bobbie, Cindy, and Kim for their precious care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation, Attn: BSA Hospice of the Southwest, #3 Care Circle, Amarillo, TX 79124. 806-350-6337.

10 Replies to “Ernest “Ernie” Wayne Munkres”

  1. I new Mr. Ernie Munkres since I was in the 2 grade. Mr. Munkres coached me in Kids Inc. and we went fishing a number of time. One of his favorite fishing spots was close to home under the bridge at Boy Scout Camp Don Harrington. My condolences to all the family.

  2. Fond and loving memories of my great uncle Ernie … my Grandma Joy’s baby brother. His arms and home were always open to everyone.

    Uncle Ernie, please give my Grandma a big hug … I know she and the rest of the family were there in Heaven to welcome you with open arms, a shuffled deck and chips on the table.

  3. I remember my Uncle Ernie with a BIG smile and a great big hug when I got to see. And oh boy could he play great poker with my mom Joy, uncle Ralph, aunt Debbie!! Rest In Peace. Love to all.

  4. A great obituary of my favorite younger brother Ernie Wayne. He was a love for everyone who knew him. I will miss him greatly.

  5. Mr.Munkres was a fun guy to be around !! Many fond memories of him when I was a teenager and he and my dad worked together for the railroad 😊 Godspeed sir 🙏🏻

  6. Ernie & Bettie were one of the first couples we met when we moved to Amarillo in 1961. We went to church together. Precious memories of Kerrie, Tim & Mike! Lots of playing cards & laughing with them.
    Tom & Gwen Goodpasture

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