Ernesto D. Gaitan was born on January 9, 1949 in East Los Angeles to Maria Del Refugio D Leon Delgado and Ernest Gaitan. He was raised in Monclova, Monterey, Mexico with his siblings. At the age of 18 he moved to Roselle, Illinois. He was working for a strapping company, AJ Gerrard, He met and married Evangelina Rodriguez and together the raised 3 daughters. As time went on they went in separate directions and Ernesto became a single dad. He enjoyed dancing and actually met his future wife, Manuela on the dance floor. A friendship that grew into a long lasting (40+ years)marriage. They made their way to La Porte with his daughter, Edna and her three children. The family settled in to Texas life. Ernesto took a job at NASA and work there for 40 years. While off work he was busy raising his girls. He loved taking them on adventures. It could be a trip to the post office for Manuela's stamps or any other place along the way and he always made it an adventure. They may have lived within modest means, but he made it all exciting. He never had limits and was always the first to try new things. He loved photography and always enjoyed sitting outside in the morning with his coffee. He watched the sun rise and took many beautiful photos. After he retired, he and Manuela moved back to Mexico for a while, but returned to Texas when Manuela started facing health issues. Although Ernesto was battling diabetes and taking dialysis treatment, his passing came suddenly and quite the surprise to all. He passed on December 26, 2023. Ernesto is now reunited with Manuela and his parents. He is survived by his siblings, Apolonia, Irma and Alcario. His children, Edna Gaitan, Sandra Gaitan and Martha Rodriguez De Leon. He also leaves his grandchildren, Genesis Flores, Jonathan Flores, Jason Flores and Hugo Campos. His great-granddaughter Athena Antonella Flores will miss him terribly. There are many extended family members and friends that will miss him as well.