Ernest Palu

Ernest Palu passed away April 11, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at OakCrest Funeral Home.

Ernie was born in Sherman County, Neb., to Mary Kaminski and Frank Palu. He grew up in Grand Island, Neb., where he graduated from Central Catholic High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Spain as a medic until his honorable discharge.

While on leave in Nebraska, he met Mary Ann Casavecchia and they married July 1, 1961, in Grand Island. Ernie was involved in sales all of his working life after leaving the military. He came to Texas in 1972 to work at McGregor Mobile Homes. Later, he left the mobile home business to work in the tire business where he spent the rest of his career. He and his wife were members of St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco from 1972 to 2011. Ernie enjoyed his grandchildren, gardening, reading, eating out, and spending time at the beach in Port Aransas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by four brothers; three sisters; and his parents.

He is survived by his three sisters, Dee Klingingsmith, Bonnie Luebbe, and Rita Watson, all of Nebraska; his wife, Mary Ann; three children, Craig Palu and wife, Ann, Kevin Palu and wife, Donna, and Karen Rubalcava and husband, John; as well as his seven grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of his caregivers at Silver Creek Manor in San Antonio; along with all his caregivers in hospice; Dr. Charles Shoultz III; his nurse, Andrea; Dr. C. LeBlanc; and Dr. Pryor for their care and concern.

In lieu of floral arrangements, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society .