GLENBURN – Ernest D. “Ernie” Murray Jr., 78, died after a short illness Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005. He was born May 24, 1927, in Millinocket. His mother, Julia Murray Howard; and stepfather, Fred Howard, lived in Patten and predeceased Ernie. Ernie was an avid woods warrior. He loved to fish, hunt, trap and was very inventive. He was well known for his “camp” located in T4-R6 due west of Patten, located under Peaked Mountain on the Seboeis River. His mother, Julia, often told his children of his long trips away to the woods beginning at the young age of 16. “His” camp was destroyed by the landowners after a 23-year encampment. As a young man, Ernie worked the last great river log drive. He is a highly decorated Korean War veteran. He was placed on the roles for the Congressional Medal of Honor, earned two silver stars, two purple hearts and was awarded many military citations for heroic and exemplary military service. In many ways, Ernie gave much of himself for his and our country- a contribution for our freedom we all need to be and should be proud of. He is survived by his sister, Freda Nickerson of Patten; five children, Wallace Howard, Michael Ernest, Yvette Mary, Ernest Denis III and Denise Florance Cooley, in various parts of Maine; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Candace Harvey. Graveside funeral services will be held at the Patten Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made to Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.
ERNEST D. ‘ERNIE’ MURRAY JR.
