Ernesto Solis

Ernesto “Oso” Solis, 81, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2020, with his wife of 57 years, Connie, at his side.

Oso was born on July 13, 1939, in Kingsville to Alejandro and Antonia. He attended St. Martin Catholic School, H.M. King High, and Texas A&I University. On February 3, 1963, he married the love of his life, Maria “Connie” Leal.

Oso is survived by his wife Connie, three sons, Ernest Jr. and his wife Nancy, Eddie and his wife Heather, and Joe De Leon; three granddaughters, Anna, Sara, and Alejandra, as well as his three brothers and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Oso was born and raised in Kingsville and spent his entire life there except for the time he was away serving his country. He enlisted and served in the US Army serving in Korea and was stationed in Germany as well as various Army installations in the US. Following his military service and honorable discharge, Oso worked for K.A. Childs Motors for 20 years and ultimately retired from his position at the Kleberg County Adult Probation Department. He was a member of the Pan American Golf Association and was also involved with organizations such as LULAC. As a lifelong, devout Catholic, he and Connie were parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

He loved playing golf, hunting, and fishing. He used those activities to teach his sons the value of God’s nature, honesty, and the enjoyment of the outdoors. He taught them how to lead a bird, the importance of keeping your head down through your swing, and always having your hunting/fishing license! He passed on to them a strong work ethic, the importance of loyalty, education, and family. He was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle, as well as a loyal brother and friend.

His sons were the apple of his eye, but that began to fade when he met his future daughters-in-law Nancy (Furlow) and Heather (Robertson). Nothing compared to the pride and joy he felt for his granddaughters Anna, Sara, and Alejandra who lovingly called him Grandpa Bear. His granddaughters were truly the loving occupants of his heart.

During his 81 years, Oso made many friends and always left a lasting impression on those he met. Friends of Ernie & Eddie would drop by if they were within two counties of the Solis home to “see how Connie and Oso were doing.” Oso would greet them with a big smile and a hug then ask if they were hungry or thirsty. He would grab them a cold drink from the camouflage painted refrigerator on the back patio while Connie fixed a bite to eat. For 30 years, his sons brought friends to Kingsville, to enjoy the hunting and fishing they grew up with, on a weekend that is now affectionately known as “Oso’s Hunt!” Oso always had his cell phone close and sent daily morning “roll call” texts to friends and family. These texts would get many started with their day and always included a reminder of God’s blessings, a wish of good luck, and care. Oso was a force of nature that will be missed by so many!

The family wishes to extend their gratitude the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who took such good care of Oso over these last several years and were always so kind and watchful over Connie, as well. Ernie & Eddie would like to thank their mother, Connie, for all the care, love, and patience with their dad over their entire marriage, especially during the last several years.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a small private service. A celebration of life will take place on a future date to be determined.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, Texas 78363.