Edwin P. Ernst

Dateline-Laurens, SC


Edwin P. Ernst entered into eternal rest October 10, 2012 at Martha Franks Retirement Center in Laurens, SC.
Mr. Ernst was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 14, 1923. He graduated from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania interrupted his education to join the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the submarine fleet throughout the Pacific during World War II on many war patrols. His fleet was credited with recovering many pilots who were shot during the war including George H. W. Bush who later became our 41st President of the United States.
Ernst took his initial training at Naval Training Station Newport, RI; he was then moved to Sub Base new London Conn., for advanced training to be a Submariner. After his completion he was moved to the Pacific theatre. There he aboard several subs such as the USS Bream and the USS Fulton.
Ed was also engaged in numerous naval battles earning him numerous awards such as Combat Action Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 star, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 5 stars, Good Conduct Insignia 1 Silver Star, Philippine Independence Medal.
Ed was president and owner of E.P. Ernst Creative Filing Systems of Milburn, New Jersey, which served the banking industry and libraries throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Ed and wife Ruth were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Laurens, SC. He also volunteered for many community organizations including Hospice of Laurens County and the Veterans Administration, where he was active with The Hall of Heroes.
He was an avid tennis player in his youth and college days, and became a member of the Junior U.S. Davis Cup Team during that time.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth A. Ernst, his children; Penni Ernst and husband Dennis, Pricilla McDermott and husband John, Paul Ernst and wife Soozi, Hank D’Antonio and wife Angie, Billie Ruth Wolfe and husband Chuck, five grandchildren; Sean McDermott, Melissa Ernst, Danielle Iwansky, Renee D’Antonio and Nicholas D’Antonio and three great grandchildren; Curtis, Caden, and Caylee Iwansky.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday October 16th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday at 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Oak Brook Cemetery in Greenwood following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Ed’s name to First Presbyterian Church in Laurens, SC or Hospice of Laurens County in Clinton, SC.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens