"Some people live many years and are quietly forgotten. Others are given far fewer years, yet leave enough love behind to last a lifetime. Ernesto Alexander Vasquez was one of those rare souls."
With immeasurable sadness, yet overwhelming gratitude for the years they were blessed to share with him, the family of Ernesto Alexander Vasquez announces his passing. Though his journey on this earth was far too brief, the love he gave so freely and the lives he touched so deeply ensure that his story will continue to be told for generations.
Ernesto was born on April 14, 1999, in Palm Beach, Florida. Although he was born in Florida, Hollis, Oklahoma, was always home. It was there that he was raised by his parents Jessie and April Vasques formed lifelong friendships, and became known as the kind of young man everyone was proud to call a friend.
Raised and educated in Hollis, Oklahoma, Ernesto graduated from Hollis High School with the Class of 2017, where his determination, discipline, and work ethic were evident in everything he pursued. Ernesto proudly wore No. 70 on the football field as both an offensive guard and defensive end. He excelled in powerlifting, earning third place overall at the Oklahoma State Powerlifting Meet, and also enjoyed playing baseball, spending time in the outfield and at second base. While he loved competition, what mattered most to him were the teammates beside him and the friendships forged along the way.
Following graduation, Ernesto built a career that reflected his dedication and leadership. He spent five years as a respected Team Leader at Goodyear Plant in Lawton, Oklahoma, before accepting a position with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. His decision was never driven by personal ambition alone. He wanted to provide a stable future for the person who meant more to him than anyone else.
His daughter. Alivia Reign Vasquez was the greatest joy of Ernesto's life. Becoming her father was his proudest accomplishment and the role he cherished above all others. Every goal he pursued, every hour he worked, and every sacrifice he made was inspired by the dream of giving her every opportunity, every blessing, and every reason to smile. If love could be measured, Ernesto would have been the richest man alive. He was the son who never forgot to call. The brother everyone leaned on. The uncle whose nieces and nephews adored him. The friend who never let anyone feel alone. Those who knew Ernesto remember a man with a gentle spirit and an even gentler heart. His quiet kindness drew people to him naturally. He listened more than he spoke, forgave quickly, and loved without conditions. His family often remarked that he never seemed to have an enemy because he always chose to see the good in others.
He also possessed a wonderfully dry sense of humor and an endless supply of clever puns, witty remarks, and playful sarcasm. His laughter was contagious, and even during life's hardest moments, he somehow found a way to make someone smile. He had the rare gift of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories simply by being present. For Ernesto, family was never an obligation. Family was everything.
There was never a need to ask him twice. Whether someone needed help moving, repairing something around the house, attending a family gathering, or simply showing up during a difficult time, Ernesto was always there. His loved ones knew they could depend on him without question because helping those he loved came naturally. He especially treasured life's simplest moments: sharing meals with family, spending time with friends, taking Alivia on Daddy-Daughter dates, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Oklahoma Sooners, or simply sitting together talking, laughing, and making memories that would last forever. Perhaps the words his family will miss hearing most are the ones Ernesto never hesitated to say: "I love you." He said them often. And he meant them every single time. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughter, Alivia Reign Vasquez; his parents, Jessie Vasquez and April Vasquez; his brothers, Marc Anthony Vasquez, Jayvi Vasquez and his girlfriend, Sandra Lopez, Jacob Gamboa; his sister, Lizzie Flores, his biological mother, Yesenia Merla grandparents, Diana Vasquez, Isabel Vasquez; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and an extraordinary circle of friends who became family.
Waiting to welcome him into Heaven were his grandfather, Juan Vasquez; grandfather, Roddy Rodriguez; grandmother, Christina; and aunt, Gloria, who undoubtedly greeted him with open arms. Some lives are measured by accomplishments. Others by wealth. Others by the number of years they are given. Ernesto's life will forever be measured by something far greater. Love. The love he poured into his daughter. The love he gave his parents. The loyalty he showed his siblings. The laughter he shared with friends. The kindness he extended to strangers. The countless lives made better simply because he chose to love generously. Although his family wishes they could have shared many more years with him, they find comfort in knowing that love like Ernesto's never truly leaves. It lives on in every story shared around the dinner table, every family gathering filled with laughter, every Cowboys game watched in his memory, every lesson Alivia carries into adulthood, and every act of kindness inspired by the example he set.
His earthly journey ended far too soon. But his legacy of love, compassion, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family will endure for generations.
The Vasquez family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026 at Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at The Hollis High School Auditorium, Hollis, Oklahoma.
Ernesto will be laid to rest at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Ernesto Alexander Alexander, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
6
Jul
417 E. Broadway
Hollis, OK 73550
Funeral
7
Jul
415 N Main St
Hollis, OK 73550
Cemetery Details
Location
Falcon and Veterans Dr.
Altus, OK 73521
