Obituary of Donald Erwin

Donald "Doc" R. Erwin Feburary 7, 1944 January 30, 2007 Donald "Doc" R. Erwin, 62, of US 31 North in Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 with his wife and son by his side. Doc was born on Feburary 7, 1944 to the late Louis and Lula (Posey) Erwin at their home in Marked Tree, Arkansas. Doc grew up in Buchanan and then moved to Niles where he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from the Niles High School with the class of 1963. In his early years Doc was an accomplished boxer, he even participated in the boxing matches at the "Golden Gloves" held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Small in stature, Doc held a self satisfaction of this achievement and throughout his life many heard the experiences he endured in the ring. He was also an avid hunter and he found nothing more thrilling than to share the stories with his friends of how he had bagged that deer. Doc was an avid Notre Dame fan, loved rock n roll, dancing, fast cars and frequently stopping in at one of the many local watering holes to visit and exchange stories with friends. On December 30, 1989 he married the true love of his life Sandra "Sam" McDuffie. Doc will always be remembered for having a heart of gold and never having met a stranger. He would help anyone who was in need. And with much fondness he will be remembered by most as a rascal. Doc was extremely proud of being a father to his son and a grandfather to his three grandchildren. Doc worked at Clark Equipment in Buchanan as a welder and retired from The International Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 20 on January 1, 2004. After his retirement from the union he couldn't sit still so he went to work for Hoosier Transit as a driver and delivered travel trailers throughout the United States and Canada. One of his many achievements was that he graduated on January 8th with his certification in HVAC. He is preceded in death by his parents. Doc is survived by his loving wife Sam, Son Scott and wife Jennifer Erwin and their three grandchildren Alex, Emily and Kade all of Niles, Sisters Nina (Dale) Robinson of Gobles and Ruthie (Tom) Hoover of Phoenix, Arizona, Brother Louie Erwin of Niles, Nieces Shannon (Tom) Lannon of Phoenix, Arizona, Dawn (Robert) Barton of Sturgis, Nephews Eddie Robinson of Gobles, Don (Penny) Robinson of Gobles and Keith Babbs of Niles, Sister-in-law Wanda (George) Kirst of Niles and Mother-in-law Hazel McDuffie of Buchanan, Bud (Sonja) Alsop of Niles, Doc's closest friend. He will be missed by his beloved cat Otis. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services from 6-8pm. Doc's funeral will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at Brown Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Eddie Miller will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Niles.