Ernest F. Houdeshell Jr.

Ernest F. Houdeshell Jr. "Ernie/Howdy" passed away unexpectedly in his home in Sunbury, PA, on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Born October 22, 1952, in Lock Haven,PA, he was the son of the late Rev. Ernest F Houdeshell, Sr and Gloria R (Hill) Houdeshell. 

Ernie graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1970. Shortly thereafter, he met his sweetheart Sandra Lee Decker of Spring Mills, PA, while attending Camp Lamar. They married on April 22, 1972.

Ernie worked for various construction companies in PA and CT. He became a Certified Supaflu Cast in Place Liner Installer, starting his own business, Chimney Safety RxPerts, in September 1991. He became known to his customers as "Ernie the Chimney Man" and was a member of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild, additionally serving as Secretary for the PA Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps. He retied in 2016.

He enjoyed studying the Bible, including ancient religions and languages.  He loved fishing and NASCAR. Ernie was a talented musician and a gifted poet, having poems published in monthly Sweeps Newsletters.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Gloria & Daniel Byron of Williamsport, PA, Ernest III & Shari Houdeshell of Waynesboro, PA, Thad Houdeshell of Danville, PA, Heather & Steve Gamache of East Taunton, MA; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grand children; brothers, Floyd Houdeshell, Sr & wife Martha of Forest Hill, PA, Timothy Houdeshell & wife Cindy of Herndon, PA, Benjamin Houdeshell & wife Brenda of Forest Hill, PA, Paul Houdeshell of Mifflinburg, PA; sisters, Miriam Thomas & husband Roger of Rockton tonight, PA, Naomi Nocket of Williamsport, PA; 4 Step-sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by two Step-mothers, Dorothy J Houdeshell and Rose J Houdeshell; brother, Theodore Houdeshell; sister, Mary Houdeshell; Step-sister, Mary Jane Hanson; brother-in-law, George Nocket; sister-in-law, Katie Houdeshell; grandson, Bryan Auman; and a great grandson.

In response to James 1:27, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to organizations that aid & support widows and orphans.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

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