Ernie was a kind, charming, witty and sometimes downright silly man. Ernie attended Visalia grammar school and graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1953. He attended College of the Sequoias and played football as defensive end. He also drove the COS bus and joked that he looked in on rivalry teams practices. Ernie had a wonderful sense of humor!
He worked for the City of Visalia for 35 years and retired at 57 years old to spend more time with his family and to build his own house in Three Rivers, a labor of love it was! Most of his grandchildren were by his side at various stages of the build, digging and moving rocks for the foundation, etc. and have fond memories to share about those times!
Ernie was very active in the Visalia community. He was 3 times President of the Optimist Club, 3 times Chairman of the Tulare/Kings County All Stars Football games. A longtime member of Toastmasters. He also coached Pop Warner in the 70’s, of course they were Championship Teams under his coaching tenure.
Not only was Ernie a Sound Ranger in Counterfire Platoon in the US Army, he also played football for the US Army! He had shared many stories about his Army friends and organized reunions of the Counterfire Platoon for many years.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Manuel, brothers Manuel and John, sister Mary, his children Sandi and Vicki and too many close friends to name. Ernie is survived by his wife Sherry Hocker Vierra, Daughter Gail Vierra-Lyman, Son in Law Pete Lyman, Sister Rita Vierra Bettencourt-Taylor, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, 4 stepchildren and 5 step grandchildren.
Mass was held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Retreat on March 25th. In lieu of flowers your prayers for Ernie and his family will be greatly appreciated.
Here at the Center we remember Ernie by Sherry’s side in so many classes and services. His loving ways and his devotion to Sherry always touched our hearts.
