Union, Oregon
Hugh Gerald Erwin, 95, of Union, a former North Powder resident, died June 21, 2006, at the Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m., Monday at the Union United Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Union Cemetery.
Hugh was born on Oct. 25, 1910, at Adrian, Mo., to Hugh and Bertie Largent Erwin. As a child, he worked with his family on ranches at Pendleton, Summerville and North Powder. Hugh attended school at North Powder and graduated with the North Powder Class of 1929.
He married Fern Baxter on Sept. 26, 1936, at La Grande. The couple lived at Union for many years while Hugh worked for the Oregon Highway Department out of the Union maintenance shop. He then worked at La Grande until his retirement in 1973.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church at Union. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing bingo and most of all, he loved his family and grandchildren.
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Gary and Barbara Erwin of Lincoln City, Leah Lewis of Baker City, Richard and Jan Erwin of Baker City, and Donna and Joe La Verdure of Pendleton; 12 grandchildren, Lori Robinson, Gail Powers, Darcy Bruijn, Kimberly Hulser, Melanie Zemmer, Mick Lewis, Randy Lewis, Jeff Erwin, Doug Erwin, Brian Erwin, Kevin La Verdure and Amanda Smith; 19 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern; and four sisters, Maxine Kirkland, Virginia Erwin, Marge Miller and Norma Betts.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union United Methodist Church through Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande, OR 97850. To view the obituary, leave a condolence or sign the guest book online, visit www.danielschapel.com.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, June 23, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor