Papa Ervin Cicero Williams passed away at his home on July 17th at 8:15 p.m. on his favorite day “Sunday” at his favorite time “Sunset” surrounded by his loving family, friends, and his best buddy Skippy (dog) during the last days of his life.
Erv was born in La Grande to Clarence and Elsie Williams and graduated from La Grande. He was in the Navy for four years, worked at the Umatilla Army Depot for over 40 years, and has been preaching at the Echo Community Church every Sunday for the last few years. He was a “Teacher of the Bible” and stated many times that he was a vessel for God, and when God no longer had a purpose for him he would gladly go to Heaven to be with his family there.
In his early days he was an adventurous outdoorsman who snow skied, mountain climbed, snow shoed, broke horses and scuba dived. You name it he did it. He played in a Western band in the Echo City Hall. His love was the stand-up bass. Later years he squared danced and was a dance caller at the Grange Hall in Hermiston.
A lovely young woman, Jacquetta Jo Temple, was the love of his life. They met in Stanfield. Jo lived in the house across the street from Erv’s apartment. Erv told Cindy his daughter that he knew he would marry that girl after the first time he laid eyes on her. Well, he was right, and they were married for 60 years. Jo passed away on December 31st, 2007. We are sure that she will meet Erv at the gate of Heaven, saying, “What took you so long?”
Papa Erv was actively involved in Boy Scouts throughout his life and was awarded “The Silver Beaver” on Dec. 7, 1968. He survived a 240-mile bike ride through the Blue Mountains with 40 Boy Scouts. He was a great campfire storyteller who scared the pants off many kids and adults. A passion of his was to write poetry, stories and sermons. He was also active in Kiwanis (Northwest President for years), the Elks, Outdoor Ed, school functions, Meals on Wheels, many charities and just everyday life. He loved everyone and his door was always open. No one left his home without Jo’s cooking and a “God Bless You” from Erv.
Everyone loves you, Papa Erv, and we praise God for the years that he has blessed all of us with you.
Ervin Williams is survived by daughter Cindy Lucas and husband Randy, and grandchildren Stacy Frost and wife Krista, Seth Frost, JaMee Asher and husband Richard Alves and seven great-grandchildren; son Brad Williams and wife Tammie and grandchildren JoDee, Megan, Braden and Brooke Williams; brother-in-law Ed Temple and wife Bea; and sister-in-law Betty Williams.
Please come celebrate his life with us Saturday, July 23rd at 11 a.m. at the Echo Community Church, following with military honors and a BBQ at 12. Bring your stories to share with us. Anyone and everyone is welcome, as Papa would say.
Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
