ERNEST H. CARSWELL, FORMER AIDE TO MAYOR LOUIE WELCH, DIES AT 61 Maintained Jones Plaza, Wortham Center, Music Hall later in career
04.17.2003 -- Ernest H. Carswell, the first African-American to serve on former Houston mayor Louie Welch's staff, has died after a short illness. He was 61.
Mr. Carswell joined Mr. Welch's staff in 1966 and initiated a series of social programs in the Fifth Ward. In 1974, he was named director of playground athletics for the Parks and Recreation Department. After stints with the Houston Astros and Pace Management, he rejoined the Parks Department in 1977 and later worked for the Library Department. He also worked for radio station KYOK, hosting a sports talk show as part of his duties.
Mr. Carswell returned to City ranks in 1991 when he joined the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department. At the time of his death, he was responsible for maintaining Jones Plaza, Sesquicentennial Park and Ray C. Fish Plaza, among other outdoor venues. Mr. Carswell also worked at Wortham Theater Center and the defunct Music Hall and Sam Houston Coliseum.
"Those who work downtown may remember Ernest by sight, if not by name," department director Dawn Ullrich said. "The nature of his work kept him outdoors, setting up events at Jones Plaza or cleaning up Sesquicentennial Park after a big rain. I also remember Ernest alerting us to the occasional alligator that turned up in Buffalo Bayou.
"Ernest was punctual and very detail-oriented," Ms. Ullrich added. "Those are important traits when you are in the business of hosting events. We will certainly miss Ernest."
Mr. Carswell's survivors include his wife of 42 years, Lillie, a son, Ernest Jr., and a daughter, Karen. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he graduated from Morgan State University, where he earned a degree in social sciences and lettered in football.
He died April 16 at Hermann Hospital after suffering a heart attack earlier in the month.
A memorial service is set for 6 p.m. Monday at Trinity East United Methodist Church, 2418 McGowan. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Ernest H. Carswell Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit male athletics at his alma mater. (Checks should be made out to Morgan State University with the fund name noted on the memo line and mailed to Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251.)
