Ernesto L. Maldonado

Ernesto Luis "Ernie" Maldonado, 54, went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2019.

Ernesto was born on June 1, 1964, in Jalisco, Mexico, to Teresa and Raul Maldonado. He was raised in Wasco and attended Wasco High School. He worked as a machine operator for Frito Lay and Bolthouse Farms.

He was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his children, which were his pride and joy. He was known for being outgoing and sparking up a conversation with anyone nearby. He loved life and had an optimistic spirit. He loved traveling to Mexico yearly to visit his family. He enjoyed working out and always stayed active. He loved Banda music, attending bull-riding rodeos, and watching boxing and football. His signature saying was "quitters never win and winners never quit."

Ernesto was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2018. After several surgeries and procedures, he was able to overcome that battle. Unfortunately, in February 2019, he was diagnosed with aggressive abdominal cancer. He was determined to overcome this battle and fought with everything he had. Though the cancer prevailed, he did not lose the battle. He was set free from his suffering and given peace.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raul Maldonado. He is survived by his daughter, Marisel Maldonado, and son, Ernie Maldonado; mother, Teresa Maldonado; and four siblings, Ignacio Maldonado, Lidia Bravo, Claudia Leal and Martha Lopez.

Ernesto's family would like to thank all of their family and friends for their love and support during this long journey. They would also like to thank the Kern County Cancer Fund, Dr. Yanagawa and her staff at UCLA Medical Center, and Dr. Kanamori and his staff at CBCC.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at St. John's Catholic Church in Wasco. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Wasco Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kern County Cancer Fund in Ernesto Maldonado's honor: kerncountycancerfund.org/donate