Obituary of Dewey Franklin Ervin

Dewey Franklin Ervin was born on August 18, 1956 in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  He was the son of Clarence and Maggie Ervin. For many years Dewey was employed as a sexton at various cemeteries, preparing the final resting places for residents of Kentucky and Tennessee. He also worked for a time at a tree service, where he was never afraid to climb as high as he needed to get the job done. Dewey wed Shirley Herrell and was blessed with a daughter, Emily. Although the couple went their separate ways, they later reconnected and Dewey settled with Shirley in Monroe, Michigan in 2006.

Dewey had an immense appreciation for the great outdoors. When visiting family down south, he enjoyed sightseeing, often walking the trails through the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee. A fisherman, he spent much time on the shores of Lake Erie casting in a line. Dewey was a talented handyman who could tackle any home remodeling project. He was an equally talented mechanic and generously completed vehicle repairs for his family and friends.

A master of the grill, Dewey could perfectly sear his favorite porterhouse steaks. He enjoyed tuning in to “Law & Order” as well as Western movies and “Walker Texas Ranger”. Extremely outgoing, Dewey never met a stranger. Although he could be stubborn as a mule, he loved to laugh and cherished spending time with his family.

Dewey Franklin Ervin, age 67, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday; April 20, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents; a step-son: James Carey; twin grandsons: Rolland James and James Rolland Hayes; infant grandsons: Malachi and Aiden Wilson; and four brothers: Jay Ervin, Grant Ervin, Gene Ervin and Charles Ervin.

To cherish his memory, he leaves a daughter: Emily Carey-Hayes (Alex Hayes) of Monroe; a son: Shaun Wilson of Monroe; his significant other: Shirley Herrell; nine grandchildren: Destiny Jennings, Desmariah Jennings, Marcus Carey, Xavier Hayes, Alantay Hayes, Wesley Hayes, Kylah Carey, Daisha Wilson, and Shaun Wilson Jr.; six great grandchildren: Leaunte, Journee, Nalayah, Winter, August, and Aniyah; four sisters: Lois Rhymer, Susie Burchfield, Myrtle Mayes, and Mary Burchfield; and several nieces and nephews, including Ricky Brooks and Alfred Stanley, who spent a lot of time with Dewey.

Friends may gather on Friday; April 26, 2024, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Dewey’s Life will begin at 4:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will follow at Covenant Cremation of Erie, a division of Merkle Enterprises Inc.

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