Ernest M. Irons Jr.

Ernest M. Irons Jr. died June 16, 2022, due to an acute illness following a long decline in health.

He was born May 2, 1932, in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, to Ernest Irons Sr. and Mary Davenport Irons. As a young child, Ernie Jr. moved to North Idaho with his family and settled on a farm in Paradise Valley outside Bonners Ferry. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School; earned a bachelor’s degree in entomology at the University of Idaho in Moscow, where he also participated in ROTC; and later earned a master’s degree in entomology at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

During college, he married Ellen Jane Aller of Bonners Ferry, and the couple subsequently had three daughters.

After college graduation, Ernie joined the U.S. Army, serving first in an infantry division and later as an administrator in medical services. Due to his military career, the family lived in Germany and six U.S. states in addition to Idaho: Oklahoma, California, Kansas, Virginia, Florida and Texas. Ernie was deployed to Vietnam in 1965-1966 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Soldier’s Medal for heroism there, as well as other commendations over the years.

After their daughters left home, he and Jane lived in Maryland and then Massachusetts. He achieved the rank of colonel and retired after more than 29 years of military service.

He and Jane returned to Texas to be near their adult children while Jane pursued her career. The couple adopted a teenage boy who became an integral part of the family. Ernie and Jane moved several times within Texas, and eventually entered the Army Residence (retirement) Community in San Antonio.

Ernie remained actively engaged in family events, gardening, outdoor activities and service organizations until recent years when his health and independence declined.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Darrus Irons. In addition to his wife of more than 68 years, Ernie is survived by four adult children, JoAnn Ponder and spouse Carl Ponder of Austin, Texas, Terry Carmack of Smithville, Texas, Elaine Irons of Bella Vista, Ark., and Dejan Pavlica of Belgrade, Serbia; and six grandchildren, Jack Smith III, Sara Curtis, David Curtis, Cade Ponder, Mila Pavlica and Olve Pavlica. Other survivors are his four remaining siblings, Ken Irons, Edgar Irons, Del Irons and Sandie Johnson; 14 nieces and nephews, and their families; as well as Aller family members.

A memorial service will be held at an undetermined date in the future. Those wishing to honor Ernie’s memory are requested to make donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, service organizations to assist military veterans or other charity of your choice.