David Louis Ernstein presently of Houston, Texas, previously of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2015, after living 96 full years of life. He was predeceased by his brothers, Allan Ernstein, Leo Ernstein; son, Don Ernstein, and daughter, Elaine Ernstein Goller.
David served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was inducted at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in August 1941. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Grace Ginsberg, and the young couple were engaged in December 1941. Soon after Grace and David married, David was transferred to the U.S. Army Medical School at Fitsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. After graduating, David was selected to join the 40th station hospital. He was then sent to Camp Berkley, Texas. Grace followed her husband, allowing the couple to spend two months together before David received orders to serve under Gen. George Patton in the invasion of North Africa. David was not discharged until Nov. 6, 1945.
After David was discharged, he and Grace lived in Kansas City, Missouri, where they were both born and raised. In Kansas City, David and Grace had three children: Elaine, Don and Scott. David worked for National Furniture Company in Kansas City for almost 50 years. He was a lifelong member of B’nai B’rith and a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Park.
David is survived by his loving wife Grace Ernstein of almost 73 years; son Scott Ernstein and daughter-in-law Annette Ernstein; grandson Drew Ernstein and his wife Sandra, and grandson Kenneth Ernstein, all of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law Shirley Novorr of Leawood, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. David always said “my lovely wife Grace has always been by my side and I love her more than anything in this world.”
David and Grace had an amazing love story. There was not anything David would not do for Grace. He truly worshipped her even in his final stages of life. He would always be found buying a candy bar at Seven Acres for her, because he knew that she loves chocolate.
There was not a kinder person than David Ernstein. He had a keen sharp mind and always kept up with anyone and everything. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to anyone who ever had the honor to know him. David will always be remembered by his kindness, warmth and caring for his family.
Burial will take place graveside on Tuesday, April 14, at 12:30 p.m. at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice or Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, 6200 N. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77074.{/mprestriction}