Ernest J. Novosad

Ernest J. “Ernie” Novosad passed away Friday, September 2, 2022 at the age of 71. He was born September 6, 1950 in Shiner, Texas to Ernest and Irene Rothbauer Novosad at the Wagner Hospital in Shiner, Texas.

He graduated from Moulton High School in 1968 and obtained his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Southwest Texas State University. He began his teaching career in Schulenburg, Texas and then came to Moulton ISD where he continued to teach until his retirement in 2008. As a teacher in Moulton he taught elementary Social Studies and high school Science. He took many students to UIL competition and several of his students won state UIL titles in science. He was also named UIL 1A Coach of the Year in 1998.

Outside of the classroom Ernie was an avid hunter, coin collector and overall adventurer. He and his friends traveled to many countries in Europe, Egypt, Jerusalem, the Holy Land, the Panama Canal, the Bahamas, Central America and many states in the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. He loved history and had extensive knowledge on the Civil War and World War II.

Ernie devoted a lot of his time to local activities. He was a member of the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years. He belonged to the Lavaca County Historical Commission and was responsible for the implementing of several historical markers in the Moulton area. He also served on the Moulton City Council at one time and was a member of the Moulton Community Clinic Board.

A lot of his energy and time was devoted to the Moulton Knights of Columbus # 3244. He served in every capacity and was comptroller of accounts, financial secretary and was a 4th degree knight and Past Faithful Navigator. He was known as “Mr. KC” and truly enjoyed the fellowship that came with being a knight. He always enjoyed good friends, good food and good drinks.

A recent issue of the Moulton Visitors Guide has a segment on Ernie in which he is named “Mr. Moulton”. It tells about his work with Moulton history. He is one of the authors of a hard cover history of Moulton that was published in the 1970’s and he and one of his classes are responsible for mapping out the tombstones in the Old Moulton Cemetery; a map that is still used today. Fortunately, Ernie was able to see this article before he passed and was very pleased.

Ernie is survived by cousins David (Lisa) Rothbauer, Don (Jennifer) Rothbauer, all of Moulton, Deacon Charlie Novosad of Columbus and other cousins and a multitude of friends.

Visitation will begin Tuesday, Sept,6, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home in Moulton from 2-4. The Rosary will be said at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Funeral mass will be Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 10:00 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moulton Texas, with burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be George Kalisek, Greg Holub, Boyce Etlinger, Chad Rothbauer, Wesley Rothbauer, and Toby Rothbauer

Suggested donations are Knights to the Rescue and Moulton Volunteer Fire Department or the donors choice.

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.smithfuneraltx.com

Smith Funeral Home - 404 West Bobkat Drive, Moulton, Tx  77975          Phone 361-596-4631