Ernest L. Adair

Ernest L. Adair passed away on August 23, 2010, at his home in Midland and under the care of Hospice-Midland. He was born in Clay County, Byers, Texas, on May 1, 1934, to Austin L. Adair and Mary Lena (Owens) Adair.Ernie moved to Andrews on July 9, 1944. He was ten years old when he went to work, standing on a stool, sacking groceries after school. On July 14, 1953, he married Joy Cowart of Streetman, Texas. Ernie was a member of Fairmont Park Church of Christ. He worked for El Paso Natural Gas of El Paso, Texas, for 31 years, retiring in 1990. He later worked for Sam's Club in Midland and Odessa. While employed with El Paso Natural Gas, he and his family lived in Terrell, Culberson, Yoakum, and Hudspeth Counties. They moved to Midland in 1990 to be near their one grandchild.He is survived by Joy, his wife of 57 years; two daughters, Dianne Gilbreath of Midland and Debra Franklin and husband Jack of El Paso; his granddaughter, Kendra Gilbreath Clarke and husband SSG Michael R. Clarke of Killeen; and great granddaughter Kaylee Rae Clarke; and his great and wonderful friends, Brent & Amy Rhoades of Odessa and Bud & Mary Sue Harrison of Midland.He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Paul, of Grand Canyon, Arizona.The family wishes to thank: Nurses of Midland Memorial Hospital 4 East, all Hospice Midland Staff and ER Crew and doctors, Valet Parking at Midland Memorial, Dr. Huston and Kim, and Allison Cancer Center, for their compassionate care during his illness.Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 27, 2010, at 10 AM at the Fairmont Park Church of Christ, with Don Mitchell, officiating.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,