Ernest Bickerstaff

Ernest Lee Bickerstaff, 76, of Fisher County, TX, passed away on May 2, 2017, in Lubbock, TX after a
tough battle with cancer. Born April 11, 1941 to Clifton F. and Eda Bickerstaff, in Rotan, TX, he had
resided near Sweetwater, TX.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 6 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church
in Rotan, TX. Burial will be in Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan, under the direction of Weathersbee-Ray
Funeral Home. No visitation are scheduled.
Although he wanted to remain on this earth a bit longer, he graciously said "It's just one of them things"
while describing his situation in the past the past few weeks. In classic Ernest style, he also told his
caregivers "Sugar, I'm sorry to be so much trouble".
Ernest was among the most likeable and uselfish men in the county. He touched so many lives in Rotan
and Sweetwater with his infectious smile and compassion for others. He was also a bona fide Texan,
fiercely self-reliant and truly a man of honor with impeccable integrity. He was most content tending to
his cattle, farming, and operating to improve his land.
In the eyes of his family, he was the best father, husband, and uncle anyone could ever imagine. He
never complained, was always supportive, and was the hardest working man any of us will ever know.
Ernest is survived by his beloved wife, Venita Bea Bickerstaff; two sons, Clifton E. and Eric Lee
Bickerstaff; as well as four grandchildren, Brooke Stice, Erica Bickerstaff, Colton Bickerstaff, and Brittany
Romero. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Melton, and her family-husband, Jim, and their four
children. The oldest Melton child, Shirley Winsier, was more like a daughter than a niece to him. Special
thanks to Brooke Stice and Christi Taylor for all their hard work over the past few weeks.
The family kindly requests any memorial donations be directed to Masonic Lodge #571 in Sweetwater,
Texas (324 Oak Street, zip 79556)

Service

Cemetery