Ernest Baray Reyes Jr.

September 27, 1944 - June 5, 2025

Age 80 - New Caney, Texas

With profound sorrow and deep love, we announce the passing of Ernest Baray Reyes Jr., affectionately known as Ernie, “Chico Reyes,” or Grandaddy, on June 5, 2025, at the age of 80.

Ernie was a steadfast, lifelong Texan who embodied a life rooted in faith, familial bonds, and unwavering fortitude. A true Libra and a pragmatist at heart, he approached life’s challenges with wisdom, humility, and a touch of levity. His signature phrase, “It’s merely a challenge and an opportunity,” encapsulated his outlook on life and his unwavering conviction that through love, hope, and faith in the divine, all endeavors can be accomplished.

Ernie dedicated 40 years of his life to the Southern Pacific Railroad and subsequently the Union Pacific Railroad. After retirement, he continued to serve his community as a school bus driver for Humble Independent School District, finding fulfillment in the intimate connections and familiar routines of daily life. An avid sports enthusiast, Ernie played basketball and baseball during his high school years and later passed on his passion by coaching his children’s teams and serving as a respected umpire in youth leagues. He reveled in the simple pleasures of life, including casting a line while fishing, tending to his garden, and engaging in ceramic crafts.

Ernest Reyes was a devoted Christian who lived by faith, a courageous individual who underwent a liver transplant in 2011, and a man whose unwavering perseverance inspired those around him. He was a loving husband, a supportive father, and a doting granddaddy, great-granddaddy, and a friend to anyone in need.

Ernest is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Kaye Reyes; daughters Stephanie and Matthew Bogenschutz, Gina and Scott Barlow, and son Ernest Christopher Reyes. He also leaves behind siblings Irma Reyes, Jesse and Becky Reyes, George Reyes, Elsa and Jerry Molano, and Ellen Reyes; grandchildren Brandon and Devin Barlow, Ashley and Tyler Stinson, Stephen and Chelsea Bell, Ryann Bogenschutz, Christian Bogenschutz, and great-grandchildren Maylee and Westin Bell. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Ernest was preceded in death by his mother, Elvira Baray Reyes; his father, Ernesto Ornelas Reyes; and his sister, Katherine Crespo.

One of Ernest’s cherished reminders from scripture was “Let the dead bury the dead.” He grasped the impermanence of life and chose to live with purpose, faith, and love at the core of all he did. He was a remarkable man, a steadfast protector, a gentle guide, and a beacon of light to all who knew him. We find solace in knowing that his legacy continues to live on through the lives he touched and the love he freely bestowed.

In honor of Ernest Reyes, donations can be made to the Autoimmune Association at http://autoimmune.org. For information regarding a comprehensive list of autoimmune diseases, please visit http://autoimmune.org/disease information.

The celebration of life will be held on July 13, 2025, at the Humble Civic Center Pleasant Ballroom 2 pm- 6pm .  Address:  8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble Texas 77338 (281) 446-4140.

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