Ernie Meyerson

Irving Louis (Ernie) Meyerson passed away February 7, 2016. He was born in Houston on February 19, 1925. After graduation from San Jacinto High School, Ernie went to Tulane University. As a member of the Naval R.O.T.C. he attended Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned an Ensign. He became a member of the Amphibious Forces and skippered a L.C.T. in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He remained active in the Naval Reserve until 1969, when he was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant J.G. Ernie was forever proud of his service to his country, and we all considered him to be the epitome of the “Greatest Generation”.In 1947, he married Raya Pinkenson and went on to complete his education at the University of Houston. Upon graduation, he joined his father, Albert, and brother, David, at Meyerson Construction Company, until he retired in 1988. Always civic minded, Ernie volunteered for a number of organizations including Meals on Wheels, Houston Museum of Fine Arts and Rotary International and, as usual, in his quiet, unassuming manner, was recognized for his outstanding service. He received many commendations, including recognition as the Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts “Outstanding Volunteer”, an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Associated General Contractors, recipient of the Rotary Club International’s “Paul Harris Fellow Award”, and Commodore of Seabrook Sailing Club.Ernie and Raya were days away from celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary – anyone who knew them knew there was no greater love story. And their four sons were their pride and joy, which only grew as their families grew with daughters-in-law (who were loved as daughters) and lots of grandchildren who loved their special time with “Poppy”. Ernie was the classic involved Dad – whether it was serving as Cubmaster for Pack 606 Boy Scouts of America, baseball coach, soccer coach, sail boat racing coach, or advisor to their high school social clubs – he played an active role in all their lives.Loving husband, adoring father and grandfather, Ernie exemplified the best of what a man can be. He was a sweet, kind and thoughtful gentleman, who loved everyone he met. He will be missed, but not forgotten.Ernie is survived by his wife, Raya; Sons: Arthur (Linda), Jerry, Sandy (Chrissy), Alfie (Pauline); Grandchildren: Jessica (Jay) Neufeld, Dylan Meyerson, Zachary (Ashley) Meyerson, Heidi (Bill) Meyer, Dustin (Sonia) Meyerson, Rachel (Zack) Jamail, Anna and Caroline Meyerson; Great-grandchildren: Bethany (Meyer) and Judah Meyerson; Sisters-in-law: Fredell (Bobby) Deutser and Sarah Faye Freedman; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Jennie Meyerson, his brother, David Meyerson, his sister, Roberta Yellin, his daughter-in-law, Roxanne Meyerson, and his grandson, Alexander Meyerson.A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in the Barish Sanctuary at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005; Rabbis Hayon and Walter will officiate.Donations can be made in Ernie’s memory to Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, (sevenacres.org).Watch the video of the Funeral / Memorial Service here.