Ernest Marquez, 94, of Fresno, California, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord surrounded by his children on July 15, 2024. Ernest was born on May 31, 1930 in El Paso, Texas to Nestor Grijalva Marquez and Estefania Muela Marquez.

Ernest served honorably as a Senior Air Policeman in the Air Force, stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA, where he met his wife of 61 years, Cora Navarro Marquez, who preceded him in death in 2014.

Ernest and Cora eventually settled in Fresno where they raised their four children. Ernest was employed with Fresno Unified School District for over 36 years where he taught at several schools.

Ernest was a faithful servant of our Lord and his devotion to his faith and family and friends was evident through his patience and love for everyone. He was actively involved for numerous years with Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fresno. He was always available to help others in need, sharing with all he knew and met about the love and goodness of the Lord. He generously volunteered for years at Fresno Juvenile Hall counseling troubled youth and also sharing with them the word of God.

His loving spirit will be greatly missed, along with his quick wit and humor, which he never lost. Although suffering from dementia, he was still full of wisecracks, keeping us laughing all the way through the last years of his life.

He is survived by his children, David (wife Holly); Gerald (wife Sandy); Barbara (husband Jeff Carlson) and Patrick; five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Lou Calderon and Edwina (Lilo) Marquez.