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Ernest Eugene Cowan

Ernest Eugene Cowan

Ernest Eugene Cowan, 72, of Chambersburg, PA, beloved companion, father, and friend, passed away on August 12, 2018 at the Chambersburg, PA Hospital.

He was born in Westfield, NY on December 17, 1945 to Edgar M. and Caroline (Putnum) Cowan.

Ernie attended Westfield Academy and Central School. In 1965, soon after graduating, he was drafted into the US Army and served two years, primarily as a helicopter mechanic in Germany; earning the rank of Spec 5 before his discharge.

In 1969 he joined the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for 10 years. He then took a leave of absence to research and build, along with many volunteers, The Sea Lion. The Sea Lion sailed proudly on Chautauqua Lake and is a replica of a 15th century square rigged merchant ship. He also assisted in the building of the wooden ship, The Half Moon.

Ernie was a master craftsman. He restored several antique cars, built cannons, knives, and custom furniture. Numerous museum quality rifles; including a Fergiuson Rifle, the Pattern 76 Rifle, the Jaeger Rifle and the Girardoni Air Gun and 1800 Rifle (both carried on Lewis and Clark’s Voyage of Discovery).

Ernie moved to Chambersburg, PA in 1992, where he restored a 1917 one-ton Stewart truck that he used in World War 1 reenactments.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ernie is survived by his partner of 25 years, Marianne Childress, her daughter Yvonne Amey, and son Glenn Amey, a son; Lee (Jackie) Cowan, a daughter; Krista, a brother; Phil (Huckie) (Ro) Cowan and several nieces and nephews. Ernest, we will always carry your memory and gifts in our hearts.

A memorial service for Ernie will be held in Mayville on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Visitation will be from 1to 3 p.m. with the Memorial Service at 3 p.m., all at the Freay Funeral Home, 139 S Erie St, Mayville, NY 14757.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com