Kenneth Leroy Ervin

Kenneth Leroy Ervin passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Marian Estates assisted living residence in Sublimity, Oregon at the age of 93 years. He was born July 3, 1921 to Harrison and Eva Margaret (Chindgren) Ervin in Ogallala, Nebraska. Kenneth married Sarah Belle Frazier on March 7, 1946 in San Francisco. Kenneth served in the U.S. Navy for six years and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and belonged to the Mother Lode Chapter 26. He graduated from Ogallala High School in Ogallala, Nebraska in 1940 and the Colorado School of Floral Design in 1949. Kenneth worked from 1940 until 1985 as a tool & die maker. He retired from Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, California after 25 years of service in its Space Systems Division. He was an avid golfer and accomplished the rare feat of a hole-in-one. He and his wife traveled throughout the United States and Canada in their recreation vehicle and many trips were shared with close friends. He spent many enjoyable hours on the Building Committee of the Sutter Creek Church of the Nazarene, in the gardens of his Pioneer home, and in his workshop, turning writing pens and letter openers on his pen lathe. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly J. Nelson, and her husband, Kirk, of Salem, Oregon; brothers Donald Harrison Ervin of Ogallala, Nebraska and August Duane Ervin of Brule, Nebraska; grandchildren Shawn Daliposon of Hillsboro, Oregon and Naomi Johnston of Portland, Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Connor and Braydon Daliposon, Rebecca Johnston, and Kenneth Daliposon. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Belle Ervin, and his son-in-law Robert Daliposon in 2007; his daughter, Tenna Daliposon, in 2013; and his grandson, Duane Daliposon, in 2013. Burial will be in the Garden of Valor at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson, California. A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sutter Creek Church of the Nazarene. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.