FARMINGDALE – Ernest F. McPherson, 95, of Vaughan Road, died March 10, 2023, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta with family at his side.

He was born in Hallowell, Sept. 3, 1927, the son of Harold and Alice (Cole) McPherson. A 1947 graduate of the old Hallowell High School, he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He later played semi-pro football for the Augusta American Legion and the Augusta Millionaires. He graduated from Gates Business College in 1951.

In 1943 at age 16 Mr. McPherson enlisted in the 27th Infantry Company of the Maine State Guard at Litchfield. Following discharge he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1945. Ernie participated in the occupation of North China in 1945-1946 as a rifleman in the 1st Marine Division Expeditionary Force. Ernie enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard in 1948 and served until his retirement in September 1987 as the Command Sergeant Major at the Maine Military Academy with over 42 years of service. At his retirement from the MMA the NCO Operations building was renamed McPherson Hall. CSM McPherson was the only enlisted person to have a building named after them. Ernie received the following awards: The Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, China Service Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal plus other state and federal awards. He was always proud that he passed in review with the 1st Marine Division in China, the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Dix, N.J., and the Maine Army National Guard at Capital Park, Augusta.

Ernie lived most of his life on Vaughan Road, Hallowell. Ernie was an outdoorsman, spending his leisure time fishing, hunting and enjoying his camp at Great Meadow Riffles on the East Machias River and family camps on Moosehead, Cobbossee and Flagstaff Lakes.

Ernie worked for over 32 years at Camp Keyes, Augusta, first as an artillery technician, then in the purchasing section and the finance section. He later served as the Operations Sergeant in the headquarters of the Maine National Guard Plans and Training Division. Ernie was a life member and past president of the Enlisted Association of the Maine National Guard, past president and a 37 year member of the West Gardiner Rod and Gun Club. He was a life member of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. Ernie was a 57 year member and past Post Commander of American Legion Post 6 of Hallowell. Ernie was a member of the National Guard Rifle team and fired in the 1st Army matches at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and the national matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, where he was awarded the Distinguished Rifleman’s Award.

Mr. McPherson was a member of the Old South Congregational Church of Hallowell for over 57 years. Ernie was predeceased by his mother and father, an infant daughter, Martha Ann: brother, Harry McPherson; sisters, Marjorie Jacobs and Mary Cunnion; brothers-in-law, Fred Jacobs, William Bradley, Robert Trask and James Cunnion; sister-in-law, Patricia McPherson. Ernie is survived by his brother, John and sisters, Ruth Bradley, Eleanor Trask, Alice Perry and her husband Eric, and Linda McPherson and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. McPherson is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, the former Joan Jordan of Augusta; two sons, James E. McPherson and Ned L. McPherson and his wife Suzanne Giberson; three daughters, Susan and husband Francis (Skip) Parker, Jean and husband Ronald Gardiner, LeeAnne and husband David Braley. Grandsons Sean McPherson and partner, Brooke Axelberg; Zachary Parker and wife, Jade, Nathan Parker, and David Gardiner and wife, Courtney.. Granddaughters Alison Gardiner Bates and husband Kevin, Kelly Roy Hayes and partner, James Donnell, Kristy Roy Wolfington and husband Harrison. Great grandsons Noah and Benjamin Bates and Theo Gardiner. Great granddaughters Olivia McPherson, Lillyanna, Arianna, and Brianna Parker, Laurel Hayes, Olivia and Jillian Wolfington and Everly Gardiner. Step-grandson, Kyle Braley and step-granddaughter, Kristin Braley.

At Ernie’s request there will be no public visiting hours. A memorial graveside service will be held in late Spring with full military honors at the Hallowell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ernie’s name may be made to : Goodrich Caldwell American Legion Post, 124 Second St.,

P. O. Box 66,

Hallowell, ME or the

Maine Veterans Home,

35 Heroes Way

Augusta, Maine.

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