Ernest Garth McLemore Jan. 16, 1915~~ Mar. 26, 2012 Ernest Garth McLemore, age 97, of Valley Mills, Texas, passed away March 26th at Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Thursday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton. Interment will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery at Norse under the direction of Foss Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5 - 7 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Sunset Home, Valley Mills Fire Department or charity of your choice. Mr. McLemore was born Jan. 16, 1915, in Edna, Texas. He was the son of Elbert and Mary Belle (Dyer) McLemore. He worked for the WPA in the 1940s. As a member of the Searsville Baptist Church he was baptized in the Bosque River. In 1954 he was confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church and has been a member ever since. He married his sweetheart Evelyn Princella Carlson on April 11, 1936. She preceded him in death in 2009. Ernest had been a member of the John Armstrong Masonic Lodge #291 of Valley Mills for over 69 years. He and Evelyn were members of the Cotton Palace Chapter of the Good Sam's Club. They owned and managed rental property for several years. Their independent business, McLemore Trucking, operated from 1936 to 1977, during which time Ernest also worked as a farmer, rancher, real estate broker, good citizen, and donated many hours of community service, most notably his lengthy years of service as a volunteer fireman for 27 years. During his service with the National Guard, combat rifle team of Company K, 143rd Infantry, his team won the honor of Official Bodyguard of Governor of Texas for one year. He reigned as the statewide billiards champion (1st place winner) for 8 years in the Texas Senior Games. Ernest and Evelyn were frequent participants and winners in Central Texas Domino Tournaments. If asked, Ernest invariably lists as his most prized accomplishments, his family, friends, and his strivings to lead a good Christian life. Mr. McLemore was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and a grandson, Rick Farrow. Survivors include his sons: Harlan McLemore and wife Caren of Hillsboro, Darwin McLemore and wife Lu of Normangee; daughters: Wanda Hines and husband Donn of Clifton, Shelba Bland and husband Joe of Valley Mills, Dr. Jonelle Farrow Chizum of Valley Mills; sisters-in-law Ursula Carlson, Edna Carlson, and Tootsie Carlson; brother-in-law Al Carlson; 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 11 great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: James McLemore, Charles McLemore, Lynn McLemore, Don Bland, Glenn Quarles, and Joe Ledlow Honorary Pallbearers: Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren