Ernest "Ernie" James Skloss

Ernest James Skloss of Kurten, Texas, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Houston Methodist Hospital surrounded by his family.

Ernest, known to friends and family as “Ernie,” was born on August 24, 1949, in McAllen, Texas. He grew up working on the family farm in McCook, Texas with his parents and seven siblings. Although Ernest loved agriculture, he left the family farm to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. After a short time in construction, Ernest joined Central Power & Light (CPL) at the Nueces Bay Power Plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. He worked with CPL, which later became American Electric Power (AEP), for 26 years eventually retiring from the J.L. Bates Power Plant in Palmview, Texas, as an instrument and electrical technician. Following his retirement from AEP, Ernest began his second career: caring for deer leases. Ernest truly enjoyed this work and because of his character was given access to seven prominent ranches in South Texas. He recognized the trust landowners placed in him and never once broke that trust. Ernest viewed his ranch work as a blessing from God because it allowed him to provide for his family and be outdoors each day.

Ernest deeply loved his family. This incredible love led him to move with his wife and son to Kurten, Texas in December 2022. He desired to live near his daughter and her family and be active in the lives of his grandchildren. He wanted his grandchildren to know their Papa loved them.

Ernest’s love for his family was surpassed only by his love for God. Ernest worshipped at Brazos Valley Cowboy Church and enjoyed fellowship with like-minded Christ followers.

Ernest was preceded in death by his father, Clem Skloss; mother, Irene Sekula Skloss; and his two brothers, Gilbert Skloss and Robert (Bobby) Skloss.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Betty Skloss; son, Stewart Skloss; daughter, Sarah Skloss Tichenor, and husband, Nathan Tichenor; and grandchildren, Ryan, Taylor and Ada Tichenor. He also leaves behind brother, Adrian (Andy) Skloss; brother, Anthony Skloss and wife Susan; brother, Ervin Skloss and wife Beverly; and sisters, Liz Leeper and Patricia “Pat” Kotara. Ernest was a loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He was also a loving member of a large extended family with many friends who will miss him greatly.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff in the Main Building, 4th floor, Northwest Wing at Houston Methodist Hospital for the loving care they provided to Ernest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ernest dearly appreciated the medical care this hospital provides to children.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center in Bryan followed by a burial service at Reliance Cemetery. A celebration of Ernest’s life will be held at a later date in McCook, Texas.

Please express condolences at www.callawayjones.com.