Ferrell Ervin

R. Ferrell Ervin, 57, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born Oct. 29, 1946, at Booneville, Ark., son of Granville F. and Frances F. Bullion Ervin. He and Glenna S. Skelton were married Aug. 5, 1972, at Russellville, Ark.

Ervin was a professor and chairman of the Communications Department at the Southeast Missouri State University from 1987 until the present. He received bachelor's degrees in advertising and public relations from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1968. He received bachelor's degree in journalism and history at the University of Arkansas in 1970. Ervin earned a master's in mass communication from Oklahoma State University in 1973 and a doctorate in journalism from Southern Illinois University in 1981. His memberships included the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the American Advertising Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education from 1995 to 2001. He was president of the board from 1997 to 2001. Ervin was a member of West End Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife; a son, R. Blake Ervin of Scott City; and a daughter, Meghan R. Ervin of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Friends may call at Ford & Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Wade Gillespie and Robert Housby officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.