Lt. Col. Ervin L. Glenn

With heavy yet thankful hearts, we mourn the death and celebrate the life of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ervin Lee Glenn. He was born in Hackett, Arkansas on March 28, 1925, and died in Oklahoma City on February 19, 2010.

He is survived by his beloved wife, soulmate, and best friend of 55 years, Marion (Holland) Glenn, his daughter Susan Byram of Fayetteville; his daughter Ginger Wells and her husband Dr. Steve Wells of Oklahoma City; and his daughter Dr. Amy Plunkett and her husband Don Plunkett of Ft. Smith. He is also survived by his sister Pauline (Glenn) Stein and his brother Thurman D. Glenn and wife Donna, brothers- and sisters-in-law William C. and Ila Ruth Holland, Clifton J. and Ann Holland, and David and Carolyn (Holland) Bobinger, as well as his nieces and nephews: Linda (Glenn) Campbell and husband Jack, Allen Glenn and wife Becky, Bobbie Jo (Barnes) Bar-David, Dr. Randal Glenn and wife Lisa, Debbie (Glenn) Arledge and husband Jeff, Jeffrey Glenn and wife Stacey, David Holland and wife Karen, Danny Joe Holland, Cindy (Holland) Cochran and husband Steve, Lorraine (Holland) Williams and husband Mark, Beverly (Holland) Hergenreter and husband Rick, Jamie Holland and wife Denise, Leslie Holland, Jason Bobinger and wife Julie, and countless great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues all over the world.

Nothing meant more to Ervin than spending time with his grandchildren who were reflections of his love and character. Grandsons: Travis Byram, Kevin Byram, Daniel Byram, Bailey Wells, Levi Wells, Jordan Plunkett, Zachary Plunkett, and Spencer Plunkett. Granddaughters: Darcy (Wells) Baer, Jessica Byram, Hannah Wells, and Addyson Plunkett. Great-grandsons: Ethan Baer and Parker Baer.

Some of his grandchildren left this earth and their Papa far too early: Benjamin Wells, Grant Plunkett, and Reid Plunkett. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rosa Nettie (Bartlett) Glenn, his brother Dr. Clarence L. Glenn, his sister-in-law Joy (Waters) Glenn, his brother-in-law Tom Stein, his nephews Bradley D. Glenn and Joseph D. (Jody) Glenn, and his great-niece Hannah Joy Glenn.

Ervin’s high school education was interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and distinguished service in World War II. Upon his return, he completed high school and went on to earn his B.S.B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas in 1951. Following university graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and embarked on a dedicated military career spanning 32 years, including service in Korea and Vietnam. Decorations and honors include: World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, A.P. Theater Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Following his 1975 retirement from the Air Force, Ervin continued his unflagging commitment to community service. He guided and mentored the young men of Boy Scout Troop 123 of Ft. Smith and enjoyed many outdoor adventures with them. He volunteered with the Ft. Smith Trolley Museum, driving the trolley downtown and engaging visitors with his lively presentation of local history. He was an avid Razorback fan and generous supporter of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

While stationed as a young officer at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, he met the love of his life. He and Marion Virginia Holland were married at the Keesler AFB Chapel on June 6, 1954. During their long and happy marriage, Ervin and Marion shared countless joyous adventures, traveling the world and touching the lives of so many others. Together they founded a legacy of love that will endure for all time, a rare and precious gift to be treasured by us all.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Tony Demondesert, Dr. Russell Postier, Dr. Jay Snow, Dr. Timothy Waack, Dr. Thomas Hennebry, Dr. Elizabeth Papaila and all of the staff at OU Medical Center for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 23, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft. Smith. Services will be Wednesday, February 24, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Ft. Smith with Pastor Joseph Silva officiating. Pallbearers are Dr. Randal Glenn, Mr. David Bobinger, Dr. Steven Wells, Mr. Don Plunkett, Mr. Allen Glenn, and Mr. Ken Duncan. Ervin’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Burial will be at National Cemetery in Ft. Smith with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Arkansas Alumni Association, or the Boy Scouts of America.