Wilson J. Ervin

Wilson J. Ervin, 81, of Jackson, passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Wilson was born July 19, 1922, in Benton, Mo., son of Henry and Earsy Simmons Ervin. He and Dorothy Beggs were married May 31, 1944, in Morley, Mo.

He was inducted into the U.S. Navy on Dec. 11, 1944, serving in World War II. He was honorably discharged on April 11, 1946.

He farmed several years in Benton. From 1955 to 1962, he lived and farmed near Oak Ridge, Mo., and then moved to Jackson.

He worked at the former Marquette Cement Plant from 1960 to 1967, and then worked as a meat inspector for the NFDA until retirement in 1987.

Wilson became an ordained deacon while a member of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church. He had been a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson the past 40 years.

Loving survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Susan Ervin of Tiptonville, Tenn., and Darrell and Pam Ervin of Arnold, Mo.; five grandchildren, Michelle Pope and husband Brian, Shane Ervin and wife Kerri, Greg Ervin and wife Kim, Kurt Ervin and wife Kelly, Jason Ervin and wife Kelly; 11 great-grandchildren; and a half sister, Flossie Kirsch of Benton.

He was preceded in death by two half brothers and two half sisters.

Friends may call today between 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Patrick Tankersley officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the River Community Church, 125 Main St., Festus, Mo., 63028.