Ernie William Rabe

Waco, TX – Earnest W. Rabe Jr., 79 years young, died on January 26, 2021 peacefully while sleeping after a battle with COVID.  Ernie or Earnest T. Bass as his loving wife, Judy called him, had an energy and zest for living life that was well known to others.  Ernie had a passion for all things involved with transportation, if it had wheels or wings he most likely owned one.  He was an avid collector of model airplanes, belonged to many flying clubs and even had his pilot license.  Ernie also loved motorcycles, especially the Cushman model, and was a member of the Heart of Texas old car club and the local Cushman club.  His wife and grandchildren loved riding on the back of his bright yellow Goldwing trike with the bright colored lights flashing and old-time music playing as he proudly drove them around town.  Ernie loved traveling, especially to his favorite state of Colorado to visit the mountains with family and friends. He had a passion for good food and finding special restaurants in all the various places he traveled.  Ernie is probably best known for being a great story teller.  He loved to talk to people and share his life experiences with them.  His grandchildren, close friends and family will fondly remember all the many stories he told them about his childhood, jobs he had, his favorite old westerns and Perry Mason episodes and the new gadgets he was famous for purchasing.

Ernie was born on July 27, 1941 in Waco, TX to Earnest W. Rabe and Violet Lemke. He lived his entire life in the Waco area and had various jobs.  Ernie was the projectionist for all the area theatres and drive-ins for numerous years, a business man who wore a suit daily for a number of years, a forklift driver, a disc jokey (DJ) for countless weddings and events and the list goes on.

Ernie married the love of his life, Judy or Judy Pudy as he lovingly called her, on November 14, 1987.  They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, rv camping, playing cards and going to the grandchildren’s basketball and baseball games.  His larger than life presence will be greatly missed.

Ernie is survived by his wife Judy Rabe; his son Stephen Rabe and wife Nita; son Darrell Rabe and wife Dianne; step-son Johnny Snyder and wife Michelle; step-daughter Jennifer Beebe; and numerous grandchildren, Abbigail, Cayden, Ian, Chase, Sammi, Yogi, Shivani, Shiv, Tandav, Ishani, Brooke: eight great grandchildren and numerous very close friends.

IITimothy 4:7-10 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown or righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, January 31, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Grace Gardens funeral home 8220 Woodway Drive, Woodway TX.  Face coverings and social distancing guidelines will be in place to keep everyone safe.  A graveside service will be held on Monday,    February 1 at 11:00am at Rosemound Cemetery 3201 South 12th Street, Waco, TX.  The burial service will be recorded and can be viewed after the service on the Grace Gardens website.

Registry for Ernest Rabe