Ernest "Ernie" Henry Papai, 90, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday in Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth.
Ernest was born April 12, 1919, to Victor Papai and Mary Pongracz of Divernon, Ill., originally immigrants from Hungary. He was the 10th of 11 children, which was the source of many interesting stories and family pride. Ernie was a World War II veteran and he entered into the naval service Nov. 18, 1942, in Great Lakes, Ill. He then was assigned to a year in Washington, D.C. Ernie served on the USS Orveta and he was part of the 7th Fleet. He traveled to Hawaii and the Philippines. Ernie was a part of the American area campaign, Asiatic Pacific campaign and the Philippine liberation. His highest rank was that of chief yeoman. He was discharged April 5, 1946.
Ernie was a longtime employee of Montgomery Ward's, being hired right out of business school. He had a fascination with numbers and accounting, which continued all his life. At Montgomery Ward's, he met his wife, Emma Lou Alwerdt, whom he married April 24, 1948. They resided in Springfield, Ill., and raised five children, Sandy, John, James, Joseph and Mary. In the early 1960s, Ernie was transferred to Fort Worth through Montgomery Ward's on Seventh Street. He continued to work for Montgomery Ward's until his retirement around 1983 as office manager.
Ernie was a devoted Catholic and family man. He loved going to garage sales and bingo. He felt his best swimming 50 laps every day, even into his 80s. Ernie spoke Hungarian fluently and loved telling stories of his large Hungarian family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. His endless strength was a constant source of support in times of trouble, always showing unconditional love. Thank you, Dad.
Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Lou; son, Joe Papai; sisters, Mary Harrity, Lizzie Burg and Teresa McGee; and brothers, Steve Papai, Al Papai, Victor Papai and Louis Papai.
Survivors: Daughters, Sandy Papai and her children, Hannah, Greta, Max Fisher and Whitney Fisher Harding and family; son, John Papai and his son, James Ernest Papai; son, James Papai; daughter, Mary Papai-Moore; brother, Bill Papai; and sister, Laura Suarez.
Published in Star-Telegram on 4/16/2009