Ernest Leal Espinoza, 68, formerly of Early, Texas, went to be with the Father Saturday, February18th in Abilene, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel Espinoza Jr. and Hortencia Leal Espinoza, his sister Olga Espinoza all of Knox City, as well as his daughter-in-law Jenny Hernandez Espinoza. Ernest is survived by his son Zacheri Espinoza of Abilene, his granddaughters Breana, Kyra, Caia, AbbaGayle, Amarís Espinoza, his grandson Taylor Espinoza of Canton, step-grandsons Luis Barrientes, Jaedyn Hernandez Lanningham, his former wife Jamie Bowen Espinoza, and many nieces and nephews.

Ernest was born on July 29, 1954, in Weslaco, Texas. He is a 1974 graduate of Knox City High School. Ernest served two years in the United States Army in Fort Hood. He worked as a Drilling Engineer in the oil patches of west central Texas. This was his first love. Following that, he was a long time employee of Kohler. He spent his later years as the Warehouse Manager for Good Samaritan Ministries in Brownwood.

Services will be announced at a later date.