Raymond "Zeke" Ervin

September 18, 1935 - September 18, 2011

Raymond Eugene "Zeke" Ervin, 76, lifelong resident of Rossville, passed away at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at his home. He was born July 29, 1935, in Rossville, the son of Marion and Rose (Beatty) Ervin. Ray was the proud husband of Winifred "Freddie" (Marks) Ervin, who was to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 22, 2011. They were married on Sept. 22, 1961, in Rossville. She survives in Rossville. Other survivors include a son, Michael (Cindy) Ervin of Rossville; sisters, Alice Jean Hufford of Rossville, Betty Matthews of Hoopeston, Caroline (Larry) Ridl of Rossville and Connie (Norman) Neal of Hoopeston; and a brother, Harley (Dianne) Ervin of Danville. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews; one special niece, Rose; and a very special friend, Phil Hathaway. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard; one daughter, Marti, who preceded her dad after a long, gracious struggle with multiple brain tumors; and his precious Chihuahua, Micky. Mr. Ervin was a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier for 40 years in Rossville, before retiring. Ray served in the United States Army. He also was a volunteer fireman for the Village of Rossville for more than 30 years. Ray enjoyed working in his large garden, going fishing and hunting. He had a heart of gold and helped many families in need. Ray loved his family and friends and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Rossville United Methodist Church, 116 Maple St., Rossville. Officiating: Pastor Beckie Laumeier. Burial: Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, with military rites to be accorded by the Rossville American Legion Post 733. Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston. Memorials may be made to: Hoopeston Regional Health Center, 701 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, 60942.