Bob R. Erwin

Bob R. Erwin, 91, of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Jan. 26, 2022, at Freeman Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. He was born Nov. 8, 1930, in rural Jasper County, Mo., to T.L. and Melba P. (Harned) Erwin. He told many stories throughout his life regarding growing up on a farm in rural Missouri and surviving the Great Depression.

On June 10, 1983, in Nevada, Mo., he married Barbara Williams Scism and was warmly welcomed by her three girls as they made a home together with Bob’s daughter Betty.

Bob was raised in Carthage, Mo., and graduated from Carthage High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Nome, Alaska after basic training in San Antonio, Texas and technical school at Wichita Falls, Texas. After completion of his military service, he worked in excavation and construction throughout the Midwest. He came to Nevada, Mo., in 1966 and worked as a route salesman for Dolly Madison (Interstate Brands Corporation) until his retirement in 1990. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time puttering in the garage or at “the Shop," along with taking care of the yard, traveling and being GPa to ”the Littles."

Bob was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. After his retirement, he enjoyed performing many maintenance tasks at the church as a silent servant until his health declined. He took on many behind the scenes jobs that just seemed to get done though many did not know how or who did them. He also served as the Calvary Christian School Superintendent during the 1990’s and was a longtime member of the church council.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home. In addition, he is survived by his daughter, Betty Malcom (Larry), “the Girls” — Tearl Edwards (Jim), Shearl Scism and Vicki Ast (Steve), all of Nevada, Mo. Bob and Barbara also shared six grandchildren, Ashley Edwards, Savanah Morris (Timothy), Hillary Rose (Zechariah), Mallorie Pierson (Elijah), Trey Ast and Nathan Ast; great-grandchildren, known as “the Littles," Bryan Mendez (his very special buddy), Isabell Mendez (his sweetie pie), Bailey Mae Rose, Madelyn Morris, Elisha Pierson and Hadleigh Morris. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty; and his brothers, Buddy, George, Charles and Bill.

Following cremation, joint graveside services and interment for Bob and Barbara Erwin will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan., with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Military Honors for Bob will follow. Friends may call now and until the hour of services at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

The family suggests memorial contributions to VFW 2175 Nevada, Mo., in lieu of flowers in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.