Hugh Gerald Erwin

Hugh Gerald Erwin, age 95 of Union, died, Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Union United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery.

Hugh Gerald Erwin was born on October 25, 1910, the son of Hugh and Bertie (Largent) Erwin in Adrian, Missouri. As a child, the family worked on ranches in Pendleton, Summerville and North Powder. Hugh attended school in North Powder and graduated with the North Powder class of 1929. On September 26, 1936 Hugh married Fern Baxter in La Grande. Together the couple lived in Union for many years while Hugh worked for the Oregon Highway Dept. out of the Union maintenance shop and later in La Grande before his retirement in 1973. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Union. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing bingo and most of all loved his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Gary and Barbara Erwin of Lincoln City, Oregon, Leah Lewis of Baker City, Oregon, Richard and Jan Erwin of Baker City, Oregon and Donna and Joe La Verdure of Pendleton, Oregon; twelve grandchildren, Lori Robinson, Gail Powers, Darcy Bruijn, Kimberly Hulser, Melanie Zemmer, Mick Lewis, Randy Lewis, Jeff Erwin, Doug Erwin, Brian Erwin, Kevin La Verdure, Amanda Smith; nineteen great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. His wife, Fern and four sisters, Maxine Kirkland, Virginia Erwin, Marge Miller and Norma Betts all preceded him in death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Hugh Erwin to the Union United Methodist Church in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.