Ernest was born on June 30, 1949 to John and Josephine Bustamante, in Paducah, TX. Mr. Bustamante worked with his father in the construction field and later started a business of his own, Bustamante, Inc. and owned the business for 20 years.
Survivors include his wife, Melisa Bustamante; two sons, Brian Bustamante and his wife Amanda, and Nick Bustamante; sisters, Margaret Arenas, Juanita Quintanilla, Patsy Herbert and Nancy Hendricks; brothers, John Bustamante, Jr. and Joe Bustamante; three grandchildren, Jordan, Zack and Haven; and several nieces and nephews.
He was recently preceded in death by a brother, Richard Bustamante.