Fred Erwin

Beloved husband and father Fred A. Erwin, age 92, of Groves, passed away Monday morning, September 20 at his home in the company of his loving wife of 64 years, Leila Mae. Fred suffered increasingly from COPD in the last months of his life. Fred is survived by his wife Leila Mae, and their only son Doug Erwin and his wife Valarie of Austin, two grandchildren Stacey Lahr and Michelle Girard, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great- grandchild. The son of Vernon and Ethel Erwin, Fred was born in Exeter, Missouri July 9, 1918 where he grew up on the family farm during the depression. In the war, he served in the 203rd Coast Artillery and several other units until late 1944, when he was deployed to the Phillipines as First Sergeant with Hq 2nd Bn, 21st Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He took part in the invasion of Mindanao and the occupation of Japan. Fred married Leila Mae in 1946, residing in Port Arthur. In 1946, he began a 34 year career with Neches Butane Products Company as a Safety Engineer and other positions. Horses were Fred's lifelong avocation - riding, breeding, and sharing his horsemanship skills with many kids and young adults with interest in the hobby. In the 1960s, he was active in precision riding drill teams, weekend cattle drives, and trail rides. Until his recent decline, Fred was an active member of St. Marks United Methodist Church and greatly enjoyed singing in the church choir. Funeral services will be held at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Thursday September 23, at 2 pm, with viewing before the service at 1 pm. Christie Hale of First United Methodist Church will conduct the service, assisted by Byron Jarrett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Endowment Scholarship Fund for Fred A. and Leila Mae Erwin, Alumni Association, Lamar State College, Port Arthur, PO Box 310, Port Arthur TX 77640-0310.