Ernest T. Cowden

Ernest Thompson Cowden, 78, of Mt. Pleasant Township, died Sunday, March 18, 2012, in the Washington Hospital. He was born April 7, 1933, in Washington, a son of Robert and Wilamina Rumbaugh Cowden. Mr. Cowden attended Williamsport Technical Institute for operations service of heavy construction equipment from March 1957 till March 1959. He was a professional truck driver, first working for Coastal Tank Lines in Coraopolis for 20 years, then for Petroclean in Carnegie, retiring after 5 years of service. After retirement, he worked part-time for Tri-State Auto Auction in Washington and A& H Equipment in Bridgeville. Mr. Cowden enjoyed bowling, riding motorcycles, watching NASCAR races and Fox News, listening to country-western music, talking politics, and eating at Casciola’s in Cecil. From October 21, 1952, until September 15, 1956, he served in the Navy. On November 16, 1955, he was promoted to the rank of Ship’s Serviceman, third class. For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church. On November 19, 1966, in Hickory United Presbyterian Church, he married Birdie Gail Brown, of Brown’s Apple Orchard in Hickory, who died April 27, 2009. They had celebrated 42 years of marriage. Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly (William) Dudash of Georgetown; a brother, Paul Cowden; two sisters, Florence Masteller and Nova Jones; and a grandchild, Melody Gail Dudash, who was born October 6, 2011. Deceased are two brothers, Robert and Wayne Cowden; and a sister, Virginia Hudec. Friends will be received Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 22nd, with Rev. Ben Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hickory. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.