Ernest Petri Jr.

It is with a heavy heart the family announces the passing of Ernest Petri, Jr., a beloved rancher and cherished member of the community. He was born at the family homeplace on April 4, 1942, in Blanco County, Texas to Ernest Petri and Clara (Bindseil) Petri and made his entrance into glory on July 30, 2024.

Ernie lived a life marked by great dedication to his family, his land, and his livestock. He was always up for a quick game of 42 and/or any conversation related to the cattle market. He also loved to investigate how many bales you got off your last hay cutting. He and his dog Belle were inseparable, and dancing was something he considered quite enjoyable. Although he could not keep a beat, he always gave his best effort. Ernie’s life was a testament to hard work, integrity, and his love for the Lord. This was clearly observed in his willingness to always lend a helping hand to his neighbors. Ernie will be fondly remembered as an instrument of God’s righteousness used by Him to reach into the lives of many. His compassion knew no limitations, his honesty was rooted in deep conviction, and he embraced a simple life.

Ernie was an accomplished individual who built strong relationships and served wherever he could. He was an esteemed lifetime member of the Madison County Fair Association where he served as the Senior Showman for several years, as well as the Madison County Beef Forage Committee. Without hesitation, Ernie donated numerous heifers to the MCFA and contributed to the County Steer Show. He was a local repeat champion at the Madison County Hay Show and moved on to become a state finalist. He was recognized in 2022, for his guidance and commitment to the youth of MCFA and was an honorary member of the FFA. 

A funeral service for Ernest Petri is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10 A.M. at the Fannin Oaks Event Center in Madisonville, Texas. Joel Douget will officiate the service. Those in attendance will go in procession to the Bedias Baptist Cemetery immediately following the service. A time of visitation will take place the evening before from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, August 2, 2024, in the chapel of Madisonville Funeral Home. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Clara Petri; his sister, Clara Ann Petri; and his brothers, August and Leroy Petri.

Outside of ranching, Ernie was a devoted family man. Those left to cherish his memory are Nora, his loving wife of 60 years; his son, Stephen Petri (Julie) of Madisonville; his daughter, Lydia Pool (Ricky) of Huntsville; his grandchildren, Matthew Petri (Katy) of Bedias, and Cody and Cassidy Pool of Huntsville; two great-granddaughters, Kamdyn and Kollyns Petri of Bedias; brother-in-law Norman Morris (Susanne) of Madisonville; and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends, both young and old.

Pallbearers: Cody Pool, Chris Potter, Chuck Heath, Chris Thornton, Ray Brown, Kason Nelson, Greg Morris, Troy Morris

Special friends include Ray Mosley, Kyler Cole, Craig Bailey, Clarence Long, John Hardy, Lamar Nealy, D.C. Nealy, Dan Singletary, Mark Potter, Marvin Craig, and Clyde Parker.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to the Madison County Fair Association, PO Box 1151, Madisonville, Texas 77864.

The final arrangements for Ernest Petri, Jr. are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.