Harvey Erwin

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Harvey D. (Jack) Erwin, age 95, of Joplin passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017 at his home with his loving family at his bedside.

Harvey was born September 15, 1922 in Quinton, Ok. to Hiram Reece Erwin and Americas (Maggie) Alls. He was raised in Van Buren, Ar. and there he met his wife of sixty-six years, Sibyl Eutanna Hicks.

From 1942 to 1945 he was enlisted in the 38th Air Force which he was a tail gunner in the 781st Bomb Squadron in WWII. He flew 25 missions in the European Theatre in a B24 Bomber. He received multiple medals and discharged as Staff Sergeant. He was a proud Veteran, proud American and never missed an election from the time he was able to vote. When he returned home, he graduated from the University of Arkansas. He worked as a Comptroller for Eagle Picher for twenty-nine years.

He was an officer in the National Association of Accounting and lifetime member of volunteers at Mercy Hospital. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is survived by three children. Dennis D. Erwin (Jayne), Phillip W. Erwin (Nancy) and Jane E. Johnson (Ken), all of Joplin; six grandchildren, David M. Erwin, Tamie Erwin Williams, Shari Erwin, Daniel Erwin, Abby Johnson and Erika (Sis) Johnson Marquez; and 8 great grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Reverend Phillip Erwin will officiate. The visitation will be open during regular visiting hours. Memorial Contributions may be made to Veteran’s Hospital or Hospice Compassus in care of the Mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.