Ernest Leon Respress, Jr.

Ernest Leon Respress, Jr., 76

Ernest Leon Respress, Jr. of Frostproof passed away Friday, June 6, 2025 at AdventHealth Sebring.

He was born April 9, 1949 in Frostproof to the late Leon and Jessie Respress; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. Ernest was a teacher at Frostproof Middle Senior High School for 33 years and served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Frostproof, the Lions Club, the NRA, and the Wild Turkey Federation. He was a Florida Gator Booster, former member of the American Legion Post 95, and a former Boy Scout Leader for Troop 169. Ernest was a true Frostproof Bulldog who coached football, basketball, baseball, and track. He could often be found turkey hunting or fishing.

Ernest was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Respress. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Respress; children Melissa “Missy” Hadden of Frostproof Ernest Patton of Frostproof, Delana Danielle Monk and husband Michael of Uvalde, Texas; sister, Rhonda Respress of Frostproof; brother, Grady Respress and wife Donna of Frostproof; grandchildren, Christopher Hadden of Winter Haven, Meghan Hadden of Frostproof, Marah Grace Hadden of Frostproof, Florida, and Cole Monk of Uvalde, Texas; many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at First Methodist Church of Frostproof. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery.