Ernest "Ernie" Lerma, retired Texas Game Warden, of Rio Medina, Texas, passed away on August 7, 2021 in San Antonio at the age of 68. He was born January 23, 1953 in San Antonio to Alfred Lerma, Sr. and Filomena Lugo Lerma.

Ernie married his high school sweetheart, Helen Yvonne Lyons, on January 22, 1972 in San Antonio. Later that year, Ernie and Yvonne graduated together as a married couple from Brackenridge High School. He entered the Texas Game Warden Academy shortly after graduation and proudly served for thirty years as a Texas Game Warden.

Ernie was a Boy Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America, Rio Medina Troup #471. He enjoyed the time he spent sharing his talents and knowledge with his sons, Bronson and Weston, and all of the other Boy Scouts.

Survivors include his wife of forty-nine years, Yvonne Lerma of Rio Medina; children, Bronson Ira (Tina) Lerma of Alamo Heights, Helen Ailene (Jerry) Ellis of Rio Medina and Weston Heath (Ryann) Lerma of Rio Medina; grandchildren, Magdelyn Flynn, Blake Ira Lerma, Brent Joseph Lerma, Creed Lerma and Sophia Lerma; sister, Ruth Lerma Lane; brother, Alfred Lerma, Jr.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Ernie's family requests that everyone attending visitation at the funeral home, to please wear a mask. Graveside Services will be private at Pipe Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Ernie's memory to the Autism Society, www.autism-society.org or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com