Words alone do not express the sadness that our family feels at the announcement of the passing of Ernest Frank Dominguez, Sr. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Ernie’s departure will be felt forever.
Ernie was born in Dallas, Texas. on January 30th, 1944 to Hipolito “Paul” and Helen Dominguez, the 5th child out of eleven. He was a brilliant student, graduating from Jesuit High School with the intention of entering medical school but could not due to unforeseen circumstances. Approached by the United States Naval Academy, Ernie’s independent nature guided him into naval enlistment instead, where he expected to become a navy corpsman. However, Ernie’s abilities were such that he was placed in naval intelligence. He became an electronics technician, flying bravely and secretly with the United States Navy VQ2 Attachment 15 during the perilous Cuban Missile Crisis. His service to his country during that time would be one of his proudest accomplishments. Upon his return to civilian life, Ernie completed a degree in history and economics at the University of Dallas. Ernie began working at Collins Radio and met the love of his life, Merla Kathleen McNish. During their 50 years of marriage together, they would have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. They would take him on many adventures throughout his life. Ernie retired from his jobs with Southwestern Bell/AT&T and Troy Aikman Ford, having made many loyal friends. His retirement years were spent fishing and traveling with his family, and playing a few slot machines in between.
He is survived by his always loving and supportive wife Merla; daughter, Stephanie Herzog and son in law, Pete Herzog and their children Austin, Oscar, Brett, and Phoebe; daughter, Carmen Bray and son in law, Joshua Bray; son, Ernest Dominguez, Jr. and daughter in law, Kambria Kennedy and their children Abbey and Cohen; son, Seferino; siblings, Mary Helen, Mercedes, Paul, David, Rosie, and Domingo; and many nieces and nephews.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Dominguez; and siblings, Seferino, Facundo, Ramona, and Rudolph Dominguez.
Ernie’s family would like to send a special appreciation to the dedicated doctors and nurses who helped extend his life. In particular, love and thanks to West Plano Dialysis for their commitment to his well being, and to Mordechai Klein, MD, whose dedication was present even to Ernie’s last precious moments.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, February 2, 2020 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service.