Ernesto Calderon

Our beloved Ernesto Calderon was called home on July 31, 2025, surrounded by family in Austin, Texas. Born January 31, 1928, in Waco, Texas, Ernesto was a pillar of devotion to his family, culture, and career.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will take place from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, at the funeral home.

The eldest of eight children in a family of migrant agricultural workers, Ernesto Calderon grew up helping his family harvest crops like cotton across Central and South Texas. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his life.

In 1947, Ernesto joined the United States Air Force, serving with distinction for 20 years, with assignments in Texas, the Philippines, and Spain. During his military service, he earned his GED and later received a bachelor’s degree in business from Tarleton State University.

On June 28, 1953, Ernesto married Guadalupe “Ruby” Treviño. They shared a loving and devoted marriage for 72 years.

Ernesto found his calling to serve the Chicano community in the late 1960s, when he and Ruby became charter members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Waco. His activism soon expanded through his involvement in the Political Association of Spanish-Speaking Organizations (PASO), the Mexican American Alliance, and the Raza Unida Party. As a leader within Raza Unida, Ernesto helped empower a generation of Chicanos to engage in the political process and advocate for lasting change.

In 1976, Ernesto and his family relocated to Austin, where he helped establish Juarez Lincoln University, a groundbreaking institution of higher learning for the Chicano community. He later earned his master’s degree in education from the university.

Throughout his career, Ernesto held key roles in human resources and personnel management, including positions at McLennan Community College, Seton Medical Center, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, among others. He also remained an active voice in Austin politics and community affairs well into his later years.

A gifted musician, Ernesto found joy in playing his trumpet and had a deep, lifelong love for jazz, Tejano, and salsa music. His home was always filled with music.

Ernesto Calderon will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, passionate activist, and true pillar of his community. His trailblazing contributions and enduring commitment to justice, education, and family will continue to inspire all who knew him. His legacy will live on forever, and he will be deeply missed.

Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents, Octaviano Ramon Calderon and Severa Ochoa Rivera; and his brothers, Edward, Ben, and Robert Calderon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 beautiful years, Ruby Treviño Calderon; his son, T. Rey Calderon; his son, Tino Francisco Calderon, and partner Raymond Churchill McDermett; and his daughter, Diana Anne Peña and her husband, Marcos Peña. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adelina Severa Peña and Joaquin Eustacio Peña; his siblings, Olivia Farmer, Julia Wilhelm, Dolores Castillo, and Tino Calderon; as well as numerous loving family members and friends.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Ernesto in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.