Ernie was born on July 11, 1944 in Taos, New Mexico, the first child born to Jose C. and Floraida (nee Sanchez) Medina. Soon after the birth of his sister, Edna, in 1946 the family moved east of Rock Springs, Wyoming when their dad was hired as a lineman by the Union Pacific Railroad. There they lived in company housing at several railroad sections. The family would be completed when brother, Felix was born in 1947. The longest period was spent in Black Buttes without electricity, where water was hauled into the house by buckets filled at an outdoor pump. The house was heated by coal burning stove while groceries and coal were delivered by train.
Before moving to Laramie in 1952, he attended school in Superior. He graduated from Laramie Senior High in 1963. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation, trained as an Airframe Repairman Technician, served four years of active duty, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant (SGT). Returning to Laramie, he enrolled in WyoTech, and upon completion of the Automotive Technology Program worked as an auto mechanic at several dealerships.
He later joined the Wyoming Air National Guard where he was able to apply the airframe repair skills acquired while serving active duty in the Air Force. He served for 28 years, commuting to Cheyenne, and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant (MSGT). After retirement he decided to join the workforce again and thoroughly enjoyed working with the catering department at the University of Wyoming.
Ernie and Juliet Lopez were married on November 8, 1969. They had met as children when five-year-old Juliet’s family moved a few doors away from the Medina home. The family’s quickly bonded and Ernie’s parents would become godparents to two of the Lopez children.
Their son Lawrence was born in 1970, Christopher in 1974. An expert marksman, Ernie loved the outdoors and taught his boys to fish and hunt while instilling a respect for Wyoming’s wildlife and natural resources. He enjoyed the warmth of a wood burning stove and the wood gathering trips to the mountains with Julie and their boys. Ernie also repaired cars for family and friends and helped provide care for his mother in the final years of her life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his paternal grandmother, Petrita (nee Arellano) Medina, who helped raise him, father and mother-in-law Jesus and Macaria Lopez and brother-in-law Carlos Lopez. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Julie; son Lawrence and his children Nicole Medina and Edward Medina, son Chris, daughter-in-law Bethel and their children; Diego, Marlo and Natalie. Sister Edna (Leroy) Sena, brother Felix (Eleanor) Medina, sisters-in-law Lucy (Victor) Hamm of Arkansas, Martha Lopez of Washington, brothers-in-law Nick (Bev) of California, Alex (Tina) of Tennessee, Fermin, Saul, Victor (Monica), David (Felicita), Xavier (Andrea), and Greg (Rosa) all of Laramie, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Rosary will be held at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church at 10:30am, April 1, 2022 with full military honors inurnment following directly afterwards at Greenhill Cemetery.
Honorary pall bearers are; sons Lawrence and Chris and grandsons Edward and Diego.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Meredith and Jeanie Ray Cancer Center.
I served with Ernie in the Guard. It was always a pleasure to see him during drill weekend and have great conversation together. He was such a genuine man and always had time to listen and give advice. It was an honor to know him and to serve together. Prayers for God's Mercy and Grace to all his family.
Our sincere, heartfelt condolences, Juliet and all who loved Ernie. Such a loss! You are in our prayers and hearts. Much love, Suzie (Maxfield) and Rodger Hosier
Juliet, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You were very dedicated to Ernie. You made sure Ernie got the best care possible. Now is time for us to give you some care. Please call if there is anything I can do to help. Love and Prayers.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family.
My sincere condolences to Juliet, the Medina Families of Lawrence, Christopher, Felix, and Edna. as well as the Lopez Families. May the memory of Ernie be a blessing.
Juliet, take care. We as friends have shared many trying times. You are one of the strongest and most respected persons I know. I am truly sorry for you and your sons' loss, but also for the Medina family and all of the Lopez family. My condolences to all who knew Ernie and his family.
Ernie taught me how to shoot my first rivet back in 2005 at the WY Air National Guard. He was a great man with a wonderful sense of humor and a glowing presence that would light up the room. He will surely be missed!
My thoughts go out to Juliet, her sons Lawrence and Christopher and their families, as well as to the entire Lopez and Medina families at this time. Growing up in Laramie, we were no strangers to one another in our neighborhood. I think back on some very good times shared with these families and remember each for the kindness and the unique bond that comes only when friendship has no boundaries. Ernie was well-loved and had a life that was so very well-lived. Take special care.
Julie, you were a wife and sole mate first and mama of the kids. You put on your other hat and became his loving caretaker and cheerleader and never left his side. God Bless u friend. He is at peace.