Donald Erwin, 66, of Selma, went to eternity at his forever resting place on May 21 after a brave battle with cancer. Don was born on Nov. 15, 1943 to Ray and Neva in Oklahoma City. They moved to Ventura in 1945, where he attended Will Rogers Elementary, Anacapa and De Anza Junior High and graduated from Ventura High School Class of 1961. He then graduated from Ventura College with an AA degree in Journalism, while there he was a photographer for the college newspaper.
Don volunteered to serve his country from 1964 to 1968 with the U.S. Air Force with a stint in Thailand. When he returned, he moved to Turlock to attend California State University, Stanislaus. He graduated in 1972 with a double major in History and Sociology and earned a Lifetime Teaching Credential. Don then decided to go into the medical field, first by obtaining a degree as a radiological technician. He was employed by Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, where he was inspired to enter the field of nursing. He then graduated from Modesto Junior College with a degree as a Registered Nurse in 1990, which he practiced until November 2009. Don’s parents and sisters were very proud of their nurse!
Being from Southern California, Don’s love affair with the automobile began at an early age. His enthusiasm never faltered; he was an avid member of the Central California BMW club since 1998. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Monterey historical car races where he was judge for the club acclaimed Clean Car Contest. Don loved traveling with Christina; loved his home and beautiful yard.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Christina; daughter, Heather Anne Erwin; sisters, Linda (Richard) Watt and Martha (John) Boggs, all of Oak View; nieces, Amy Breschini, Jane Boggs, Rachel Watt and Sara (Dan) Smith; nephew, Tyler (Nicole) Boggs; four great nieces; two great nephews; sister-in-law, Gloria Bennett; nephew, Mark Philip Bennett Jr.; brother-in-law, John A. Gallardo; and father-in-law, Jose Rendon, all of Turlock, in addition numerous aunts and uncles in Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee. Don was a cat lover and will be missed by his special ones, Fluff and Cry Baby. Don, we miss you; you were a wonderful husband, brother, uncle and friend. We will be with you one sweet day; you will always be loved and remembered.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 28 at Lakewood Funeral Home.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on May 28 at Lakewood Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to their favorite charity in Don’s name.
Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock.
Don volunteered to serve his country from 1964 to 1968 with the U.S. Air Force with a stint in Thailand. When he returned, he moved to Turlock to attend California State University, Stanislaus. He graduated in 1972 with a double major in History and Sociology and earned a Lifetime Teaching Credential. Don then decided to go into the medical field, first by obtaining a degree as a radiological technician. He was employed by Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, where he was inspired to enter the field of nursing. He then graduated from Modesto Junior College with a degree as a Registered Nurse in 1990, which he practiced until November 2009. Don’s parents and sisters were very proud of their nurse!
Being from Southern California, Don’s love affair with the automobile began at an early age. His enthusiasm never faltered; he was an avid member of the Central California BMW club since 1998. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Monterey historical car races where he was judge for the club acclaimed Clean Car Contest. Don loved traveling with Christina; loved his home and beautiful yard.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Christina; daughter, Heather Anne Erwin; sisters, Linda (Richard) Watt and Martha (John) Boggs, all of Oak View; nieces, Amy Breschini, Jane Boggs, Rachel Watt and Sara (Dan) Smith; nephew, Tyler (Nicole) Boggs; four great nieces; two great nephews; sister-in-law, Gloria Bennett; nephew, Mark Philip Bennett Jr.; brother-in-law, John A. Gallardo; and father-in-law, Jose Rendon, all of Turlock, in addition numerous aunts and uncles in Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee. Don was a cat lover and will be missed by his special ones, Fluff and Cry Baby. Don, we miss you; you were a wonderful husband, brother, uncle and friend. We will be with you one sweet day; you will always be loved and remembered.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 28 at Lakewood Funeral Home.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on May 28 at Lakewood Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to their favorite charity in Don’s name.
Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock.
