Ernest John Pursche, 95, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

Services will be 10 am Saturday, August 26, at Bellmead Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dennis Dutton officiating and a talk by Skip Blancett. Burial will be at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm Friday, August 25, at the funeral home.

Ernest John Pursche was born April 20, 1922 in Otto, Texas to parents Oswald H. and Bertha (Feller) Pursche. At the age of 12 Ernest had to quit school to help his mom and older sister, Ollie, work the family farm when his dad died. On April 23, 1944, he married his "living doll", Christine Teague in Waco. They were married 69 and a half years, separated only by her death in 2013. Ernest retired from General Tire & Rubber Co. after 28 years of service. He was a long-time member of Sparks Memorial United Methodist Church. Ernest believed that the kindness shown to others returns to you in blessings. Always thankful, he was a fine Christian who prayed every day. He loved God and his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ollie Haverkamp; brothers, Johnny Pursche, Louis Pursche and Arnold Pursche.

Survivors include his son, Larry Pursche of Waco; daughter, Carolyn Johnson and husband, Dale of Dickinson, TX; sister, Gladys Stone of Clifton; brother, Frank Pursche of Temple; grandchildren, Jennifer Oren, Brian Pursche, Kimberly Riendfliesch, Rachel Keehn, Eve Mora and David Johnson; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to neighbors, Crystal Uptmore and Glenda Perry for helping care for Ernest.

Pallbearers will be, Tom Oren, David Johnson, Ethan Mora, Brian Pursche, Klay Pursche and Gavin Riendfliesch.

Please sign the online guest book at www.bellmeadfuneralhome.com