Rev. Robert “Bob” D. Ervin
d. October 24, 2017
Rev. Robert “Bob” D. Ervin, Sr., age 87, of Sherman, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Villa Health Rehab in Sherman, Illinois.
Pastor Bob was born July 28, 1930 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of John Samuel and Vera Viola (Purviance) Ervin.
He married Phyllis Ann Smith on June 14, 1953 at the Niantic Christian Church in Niantic, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Dan (Kathleen) Ervin; two daughters, Gayle (Dan) Blair and Marcey Ervin (Keith Kopecky); grandchildren, Colin Blair, Cait (Brian) Boatman, McKenna (Andrew) Severns, John Ervin, Will (Rebecca) Ervin, Nora Lowe Ervin, and Kendra Ellis (Jeff Williams); three great-grandchildren, Kyla Ellis, Cole Boatman, and Griffin Boatman; a sister, Arlene (Jerry) Buster; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pastor Bob is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Rosalee Warren.
He was a United Methodist minister for over 45 years, most recently at the Middletown United Methodist Church. He retired from E.L. Pruitt after 29 years.
Pastor Bob enjoyed woodworking, fishing, farming, and model railroading.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at the Cantrall United Methodist Church. Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery near Williamsville.
Rev. Paulette Cott will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the American Cancer Society.
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Posted October 24th, 2017 at 7:59 pm
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob from this earth to heaven. I have so many great memories of all of you, but most of those involving Bob had dad right there… making them even more special. I am sorry I will not be able to get to the visitation or funeral, but please know that Deb and I are praying for all of you, especially Phyllis.
Posted October 25th, 2017 at 10:06 am
God bless to all. I will not be able to come but you are in my prayers. Bob was a great help as Associate Pastor at Sherman when I was there. One of the finest Christians I have known.
Posted October 26th, 2017 at 10:42 am
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you comfort and peace. I will keep your family in my prayers.
God bless each of you.
Posted October 26th, 2017 at 11:44 am
May God’s Love and Presence sustain you as you celebrate the life of your beloved, who is now enjoying a homecoming celebration in Heaven. ——Mac Shotwell
Posted October 26th, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Phyllis and family
With Deepest Sympathy
In memories, we find comfort
In time, we find peace
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I do know how you feel about losing Bob. I lost Mother one week ago.
Posted October 26th, 2017 at 8:49 pm
I am so sorry about your loss. I am a cousin and saw Robert, Phyllis, Arlene and Jerry at the anniversary celebration of the Niantic Christian Church recently. My sincere sympathy.
Posted October 29th, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Ervin family – Prayers and peace in this time of loss. I regret that I was unable to share with Pastor Bob the profound impact he made on my life. I was unchurched growing up and felt out of place in most churches. When I moved to Sherman 30 years ago, I searched for a church for my young family. Bob brought a pie to my home and got on the floor and played matchbox cars with my 2 yr old son. I knew I had found my church family. Since then, I have gone on to received my certification as a lay servant and am finishing classes for certified lay speaker this month.I can only hope that I can serve in Bob’s example. What a blessing he was to so many.