Roy E. Ervin

Age 91, of Hilliard and formerly New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in the Hilliard Assisted Living Center.  He was born Nov. 6, 1929 in Racine, OH to Lewis Raymond and Pearl Mabel (Hill) Ervin.  He graduated from Racine HS, Ohio University and the University of Colorado and did post graduate work at several universities.  An Earth Scientist, he majored in School Administration, Engineering, Geography and Geology.  He began his teaching career at the Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School, later Garaway, where he taught for 26 years; four years at Kent State University, teaching at the East Liverpool, Salem, Trumbull and Tuscarawas branches.  Roy worked as a seasonal Park Ranger at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota for 11 summers.  After retiring Roy taught for 3 years with the DoDDs schools in Germany.

Roy was a Korean War veteran where he served in the United States Air Force specializing in guided missile development.  Working with engineers at Northrop Aircraft Co., he helped build one of the first computers using germanium diodes instead of vacuum tubes.

Roy was a member of the Geological Society of America, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists; Homer Weiss Post of the American Legion in Sugarcreek; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Brooks-Grant Camp; the Ohio Geological Society; the Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society; and the Tuscarawas County Historical Society.  He was a Seventh Degree Grange member, and a life member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and the Tuscarawas County Chapter.  He was a charter member of the New Philadelphia AARP chapter and served many years as President, Program and Legislative Chairman.  He had served on many local boards including: the Tuscarawas County Library, the Tuscarawas County Council on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, Region 9, and TRIAD, always working for the benefit of senior citizens.

Roy was a longtime member of the Methodist Church and served as Superintendent, Trustee and Sunday School Teacher.  Most recently he was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, where he also served as Trustee and House Chairman.

Roy is survived by his wife, Doris (Stafford) (Thompson) Ervin whom he married June 3, 1977; two sons: Roy Edwin (Lynn) Ervin of Brookings, SD and Dennis H. (Barb) Thompson of East Liverpool, OH; daughter: Darlene Thompson (Phil Taylor) of Columbus, OH; six Grandchildren: Zachary Ervin, Heather Thompson-Gillis (Brian Gillis), Shane Thompson, Kristina (Bill) Cornell, Erin (Mike) Hofherr, Jenna (Doug) Sweitzer and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brother Paul Ervin and is survived by brother Howard Ervin and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date in New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.