Final Salute

A third generation Texan, Ernest Martin Kohl, 98, passed away on February 26, 2025. He was born to Felix Otto and Lena Combee Kohl in Gainesville, Texas on December 19, 1926. The Kohls, including sister Elsie, moved to Paris, Texas until 1936, then settled in Muskogee, Oklahoma where he spent his youth. Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served in the Construction Battalion, “Seabees”, in Okinawa during World War II. He returned to Oklahoma and married Ernestine Gipson Kohl, also of Muskogee in 1951. The couple first lived in Dallas, then moved to Fort Worth in 1955 and joined First United Methodist Church. Ernest spent his career in various business ventures including his own private investigation firm. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, and his children’s mother. He is survived by daughters Kathryn Speight (John), Karol Fate (Richard), and Adele Klinger (Gary), and grandchildren Jason Speight (Nichole), Justin Speight, Lindsey Fate, and Jack Klinger. Other relatives include his niece, Eileen White, (Rex Richardson), and their son, Philip. A private service will take place in Denison near the original Kohl family home, The E.M. Kohl Building, a Texas Historic Landmark.
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Published by Star-Telegram from Mar. 6 to Mar. 9, 2025.