Ernest Botkin passed away at his home in Quanah on Monday, July 27, 2020.  A funeral service is planned for 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30 ^th at Smith Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park.  A visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home Chapel from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 29 ^th .

Ernest Lee Botkin was born May 8, 1940, in Beaukiss, Texas, to Ralph and Mary Jane (Robertson) Botkin. He and Debra Robertson were married November 26, 1983, in Bastrop. They moved to Quanah in 1997.  He worked as a brick mason for over 30 years before going to work at Georgia Pacific in 1999.  He was last employed as a driver for Renzenberger, transporting employees for the railroad.  Ernest was a John Wayne fan who loved to go to the casino, but his favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Botkin of Quanah; 3 sons, Ernest Gale Faske of Bastrop, Jermey Botkin of Liberty Hill, Ricky Botkin of Quanah; 2 daughters, Jennifer Botkin of California, and Rose White of Quanah; 2 brothers, Carl Wayne Botkin and Jimmy Dale Botkin of Paige, Texas; 3 sisters, Jo Grady of Belton, Vickie Botkin of Smithville, and Sandy Beck of Cedar Creek, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.