Ernest Lafel Phelps, 74, of Silsbee, died Sunday, March 17, 2013.  He was born on August 7, 1938, in Lufkin, to Bessie Mae Kirby Phelps and Ernest Buren.  He served his country in the United States Army and was a welder.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy Phelps; children, Malone Gilchriest; Nora Fuller and her husband, Dude; and Ernie Phelps all of Silsbee; Angelia Phelps of Baytown; and Dakota Phelps of Silsbee; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and brother, Ruben Phelps and his wife, Barbara, of Warren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Douglas Phelps.

Cremation arrangements will be handled by Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.