The family of LCDR Ernest Saul Cowell and the staff of Los Angeles National Cemetery have requested the Patriot Guard Riders pay honors to this longstanding American Hero. It will be our honor.
Ernest (Ernie) Saul Cowell of Los Angeles, CA, born on January 27, 1927 and entered into eternal rest on July 26, 2022 after a short battle with the recurrence of lung cancer. His loving wife, Patricia, was by his side. Ernest is preceded in death by his daughter.
Ernest was born in Los Angeles to Ernest and Beatrice (Waterman) Cowell. Before he was two, his father died in an unfortunate accident. His mother did not remarry until Ernest was nine. He was then raised in San Francisco.
Ernest had a long and varied military career. He joined the United States Army in 1944 with his mother’s permission. He served in the Pacific Theater with the Army Infantry as a Private First Class. Ernest qualified as Expert with the M-1 rifle. Ernest was stationed in Japan at the end of the war with the Army of Occupation. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1946 as part of the post-war demobilization.
Ernest then served in the US Army Air Corps Reserves until September 11, 1949. As if that wasn't enough following his discharge from the Army, he served in the US Navy Reserve (Active) from March 15, 1950 to October 2, 1982, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander from the Inactive Reserve in 1984.
Ernest was on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, during which time he received many medals and citations during his service to our Country, including the Bronze Star with “V” devices, two Purple Hearts, and Meritorious Service awards. Ernest was also awarded medals from foreign countries, including the Korean War medal.
As you could tell Ernest never stood still. After World War II, Ernest attended UCLA on the GI bill, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business in 1950 and then a Master’s Degree. He was certificated in Urban Planning. First, Ernest worked for an international lighting company, then he was the principal of his own company, Lighting Designs Inc., from 1970 to 2009. Lighting Designs Inc. provided architectural lighting design for interior and landscape for residential, commercial, and institutional properties. He preferred outdoor lighting but often received contracts to do both the outdoor and indoor lighting. He lit many homes, including work for Michael Jackson. He also lectured in architectural lighting at UCLA.
Over the years, Ernest became a vigorous supporter of veterans and service persons rights and benefits. He joined American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283. For over 15 years he volunteered at Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a DoD office which promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. Ernest and Patricia made many ESGR Patriot Award presentations to companies. He also attended state annual conventions and briefings on veterans’ benefits. For many years, Ernie was the ESGR’s Top Volunteer.
Ernest and Patricia were also great supporters of the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation, providing youth with firsthand American history experience by advising actual historical sites.
He was an Officer/Executive Officer at Ronald Reagan Division – United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (for youths 10 to 18 years) in Los Angeles for over 28 years.
Ernest also helped further honor veterans and to help ensure they received all that was due them. Ernest was an early, if not founding member of the modern Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Committee, now known as the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation (LANCSF). He was faithful and hardworking; a strong advocate for helping maintain and improve the Los Angeles National Cemetery (LANC), bringing recognition to veterans and the cemetery by way of ceremonies, public relations, and its’ top fund raiser. He served several times as President and was the Foundation’s first President Emeritus. He established most of the contacts with speakers, musicians, singers, Honor Guards, food service providers, reenactors, and other entities used for Abraham Lincoln Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, and other events the LANCSF hosts. His philanthropic efforts also included the Sea Cadets.
Ernest’s presence as a volunteer was huge for veterans, youth, and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He served his community at large as a LAPD volunteer for 18 years. Ernest always rose to the top of whatever organization he supported.
Ernest and Patricia had an active life together. Travels took them to Ireland and the Mediterranean, including a trip to the Suez Canal right after it reopened. Ernest took Patricia to his former San Francisco haunts. They were constantly together in his later years, as Patricia would drive him to his various presentations and meetings (sometimes waiting in the car if the meeting was closed to outsiders). Also, they were frequently entertaining at home. The great thing about this is that they were so compatible; they enjoyed each other’s company and were very happy together.
On his balconies, Ernest maintained beautiful flower gardens including potted orchids and roses.
Ernest was beloved by his comrades in the American Legion, his co-volunteers at ESGR, at LANCSF, and by many organizations he aided and supported over the decades. His passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled.
Ernest is survived by his wife of 10½ years, Patricia; two sons from Denver, and cousins in San Francisco.
Ceremonies, including full military honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, 18 August 2022 at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Bob Hope Chapel, 950 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles.
NOTE: Pallbearers have been requested from the Patriot Guard. It will be hot and humid so be sure to eat and stay hydrated.TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 18 AUG 20221000 - Stage at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/rznSqHyWLAgEXQTUA1015 - Mission briefing.
1045 – Flag line as Hero is brought into Chapel.
1100 – Service begins.
1200 – Hero will be taken to his final resting place.
1230 – Service concludes.
RC Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR/ Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net714-321-3356
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Standing for those who stood for us
" Patriot Guard Ride Captain" #202572Only two defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
