Donald Harrison Ervin

DONALD HARRISON ERVIN, "DON" 89 of Ogallala, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in Greeley, Colorado.

Don was born April 14, 1927 in Ogallala to Eva (Chingrin) and Harrison Ervin. He attended the country school north of Brule as well as Ogallala High School.

Don proudly served his country, first as a Merchant Marine and later in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947.

Don was united in matrimony to Dorothy Mae Reiselman in Ogallala on June 24, 1947.

Don was a self-taught electronic engineer, working within the electronics divisions of Goodall Electric, TRW, and American Shizuki Corporation. His mechanical ingenuity, made him highly sought after in troubleshooting and repairing complex equipment throughout the world. Don was also called upon to oversee the start-up of Shizuki's plant in Mexico, where he and Dorothy lived for three years. Upon his return to Ogallala and retirement Don elected to complete his GED.

Don led a very active social life, which was intertwined with being a longtime member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, as well as holding a lifetime membership of the Ogallala Elks Lodge and chairing the entertainment committee.

Don and Dorothy were consummate volunteers with Meals on Wheels and Altar Society functions. And were always available to drive patients to North Platte.

His love of the outdoors was evident with his charter membership at the Ogallala Country Club. And his precision as an ultimate golfer was indisputable with the three hole in ones he accomplished. Don was known to be an avid hunter and fisherman. He also thoroughly enjoyed swinging Dorothy around a dance floor.

For many years Don could be seen manning the chains at Ogallala Indian football games. The teams recognized his contribution with a Letter of Recognition.

A masterful woodworker who thoroughly enjoyed tinkering and crafting items for family. He offered his skills to the community by creating a few unique obstacles for the mini-golf course that was once at Front Street.

Don's demeanor was that of a quiet and humble man who was also gifted with a quick-wit and clever mind. He maintained his sense of humor even to the end.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Eva and Harrison Ervin and siblings, Clifford, Glenn, Wilma, Ruth and Kenneth.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Ervin of Ogallala; children, Linda Cameron of Taos, NM, Thomas (Paula) Ervin of Taos, NM, & Ronald (Janie) Ervin of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Tami (Dave) Stieger, Jason (Angie) Ervin, Sean H. Ervin, Jessica Cameron, & Taylor C. Ervin; great-grandchildren, Katarina and Nicolas Gragert, Lynsey, Jacob, Zachary and Adyson Ervin; brother, Duane (Joanne) Ervin, along with several other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences can be shared online at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Burial with military honors from the Keith County Veterans Organizations will follow in the Ogallala Cemetery .

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Prairie Hills Funeral Home, and a Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm at St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.