Ernesto Rivera

HAMLIN- Ernesto Lira Rivera, 67, passed away Monday, April 27, 2015, in Abilene, Texas. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the Hamlin Church of the Nazarene, with burial following at Hamlin Memorial Cemetery, directed by Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home.

Born January 28, 1948, Ernesto was the son of Paulino and Rosa (Martinez) Rivera. Ernesto served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married Vera Ann Johnson in New Mexico, and in 1980, the couple moved to Hamlin. Ernesto worked in the oilfield for several years, before opening his own business fixing flat tires. In his spare time, he enjoyed taking care of his animals. Ernesto had a nickname for every one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several of his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ernesto is preceded in death by his parents, Paulino and Rosa Rivera; three grandsons, Dionesio Montanez Rivera, Manuel Alaniz III, and Richard Villarreal; and one granddaughter, Aurora Montanez.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Ann Rivera of Aspermont; six daughters, Tina Alaniz and husband, Manuel, Jr., of Rotan, Margie Rivera of Stamford; Rachel Rivera and husband, Jean Brazee, of Aspermont, Aurora Alaniz and husband, Armando, of Big Spring, Dora Anderson and husband, Ricky, of Aspermont, and Nora Rivera of Hamlin; one son, Adolfo Rivera and wife, Cindy, of Hamlin; four sisters, Pura Rivera of Amarillo, Leticia Marquez of Perryton, Dara Gonzalez of Snyder, and Lupe Rivera of Odessa; four brothers, Raul Rivera, Sr., and wife, Esmerelda, of Hamlin, Paul Rivera of Big Spring, Rolando Rivera and wife, Liz, of Uvalde, and Mando Rivera of Hamlin; twenty-four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Visitation

Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home
505 NW 5th Street
Hamlin, TX  79520
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
6-7 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Hamlin Church of the Nazarene
.
Hamlin, TX  79520
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Hamlin Memorial Cemetery
Hamlin, TX  79520