E. Walden Ernest

Ernest E. Walden, age 85, of 3854 County Road 141, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

Ernie was born in Ithaca, NY, a son of the late Carl S. and Mahala M. (Dykeman) Walden, spent many of his early years in Ithaca and then graduated from Trumansburg High School. After a number of years at the Seneca Army Depot, Ernie began a long career at Willard Psychiatric Center, where he worked in the maintenance department, retiring in 1991. In his younger years, Ernie was an active member of the Interlaken Fire Department, once serving as president of the department. He was a member and track worker at Watkins Glen International for the Sports Car Club of America. His love of motor sports led him to compete in the Solo Course at Watkins Glen, where he once held the title of regional champion. Ernie also enjoyed his involvement in Car Pride of Trumansburg, golfing, and meticulously maintaining his home and autos. He could also be found volunteering at the Interlaken Reformed Church food pantry.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Abbye: his children, James M. (Bonnie L. Schreiber) Walden of Altoona, PA, Stephen C. (Janice Huhn) Walden of Ithaca, and Julie (Gerald J.) Belden of Lansing; his grandchildren, Bryan (Roni) Walden and Amanda (Will) Oberbeck, and great grandchildren Savannah Walden, Alyssa and Madison Oberbeck, and by his brothers, Carl W. (Elizabeth) Walden of Waterloo and Gordon (June) Walden of Ithaca and their children. He was preceded in death by a son, William E. Walden in 1959.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to Noon on Friday, June 12, 2015 at Covert Funeral Home, 7199 South Main Street in Ovid. A Memorial Service will then be held at the funeral home, at Noon, officiated by Rev. Nicholas VanDerWeide, formerly of the Interlaken Reformed Church. Prayers of committal will be held privately at Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Interlaken Reformed Church, PO Box 335 or the Interlaken Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 274, Interlaken NY 14847, in Ernie❜s memory.