US Senator Howard Baker, Secretary of State Warren Christopher, actor Jackie Cooper, talk show host Johnny Carson, and Ed Ernst were among the select men who entered military service through the Navy’s prestigious college to commission program called “V-12.” Ed officially entered the Navy in 1943, but after two years of training at Penn State University and midshipman school, WW II had ended before he actually took charge of an LST in the Philippines.

The Final Story

Edwin G. Ernst, Jr.

Age 87, on Sunday, March 10, 2013, of Providence Point, Scott Township, formerly of Bethel Park, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Ed was born in Pittsburgh on August 21, 1925. Preceded in death by his father, Edwin G. Ernst, Sr. and his mother, Esther G. Ernst, and his loving wife, Eleanor “Sally” Ernst, whom he married on September 16, 1950. Father to three sons, Edwin R. (Odessa) Ernst of Hilton Head Island, SC, Thomas G. (Gail) Ernst of Belle Mead, NJ, and Robert M. Ernst of Bethel Park; grandfather of Jonathan and Matthew Ernst of Belle Meade, NJ, Alex and Emily Ernst of Peters Township, Amy K. Swan of Cincinnati, and David C. Raven of Bluffton, SC; great-grandfather of Jason M. Swan, Jacob T. Swan, and Cassidy G. Swan of Cincinnati, and Shelby L. Raven, Kylie R. Raven, Kelsey A. Raven, and Clint C. Raven of Bluffton, SC; dear friend of Eileen Slater; special father-in-law of Catherine Z. Ernst and Lisa L. Heddinger.

Ed had a long career with Smith, Kline and French Laboratories as a Pharmaceutical Representative. Ed loved to golf and was involved in many golf leagues throughout his life. He was a World War II veteran, and was commissioned a Lieutenant J. G. while in command of an LCT serving the US in the Philippine Islands. He was a loyal member of the Masonic Lodge in the Pittsburgh area following in his father’s footsteps. Ed was able to travel to many of the great places in the world accompanying his wife, Sally, who was on the Board of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church. Ed was a loyal member of Christ United Methodist Church since the 1950s and saw the growth of the church from its humble beginnings to the large congregation it is now. He just retired from his church duties last year, after performing many duties in the church including being an usher for the many services. Ed was involved in the Bethel Park Baseball League and the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #228.

Ed leaves many friends and family members who were all enriched by his kind and dedicated soul. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood 15227, Friday from 1-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Christ United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL or through their website www.donate2shc.org.