Ernest Earl Penfield

Ernest Earl Penfield, 94, passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 in San Angelo, Texas.

Ernest was born on October 5,1931 to Melvin and Myrtle (Southard) Penfield. He and his four older sisters, Zella, Lola, Olive and Elsie grew up on Hanson's Mesa in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Ernest earned the rank of Eagle Scout and camped with his Boy Scout Troop in the Colorado Rockies and Yellowstone National Park. He graduated from Hotchkiss High school in 1948 and joined the Colorado National Guard. In 1949, Ernest joined the U.S. Air Force, attended Syracuse University to study Russian and was a Russian Linguist during his military career.

Ernest married Marie Rose Shepherd at Christ Church, in South Kensington, England on October 9, 1954; and together shared 72 years. During Ernest’s military years he and his family living in England, Germany, Turkey, California and Texas. In 1970 Ernest retired as a Senior Master Sergeant while stationed at Goodfellow AFB. After retirement he and Marie owned and operated Weathersbee Electric; retired again then opened Penfield Electric. He retired at age 70; and he and Marie then traveled and enjoyed the good life together. Besides traveling, Ernest enjoyed many varied hobbies; such as photography, gem stone cutting, wood working and many more.

Ernest is survived by his wife Marie and daughters Gina Pecina (Greg) and Sally Lowe(Nick). He will be missed by his grandchildren Michael Pecina (Michelle), Amanda Higgins (Steve), Corey Gilbert(Monica), David Pecina(Leanne), and Christy Lara (Vaughn). And His great grandchildren Pilar, Marek, Lena, Sebastian, Ty, Levi, Cade, Konner, Isaiah, Sean and Abbie.

Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 2pm in San Angelo, Texas.