Norman D. Erskine

Norman Duke Erskine, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather passed away on March 16, 2023, in College Station, TX at the age of 84. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Marlin, TX to Mary Curry Erskine and Norman Neal Erskine. He grew up in Marlin and after graduation from High School in 1957, he attended Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University. One night at the Riesel Fair, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Jund, and they were married on December 3, 1966. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. He and Carolyn lived most of their lives in Marlin until moving to College Station in 2020 to be closer to family.

Norman began his career with the USDA Blackland Research Center in Riesel, TX in September of 1960. He then transferred to the Temple office. He retired after 38 years of employment on July 3, 1998. He was also a member of Texas Army National Guard and retired after 29 years of service reaching a rank of Command Sergeant Major in the 124th Cavalry. He also served on the Board of NGAT for 6 years. After retiring, he had a lawn maintenance business until he was almost 80 years old when his health no longer allowed him to do it anymore.

He served on Marlin City Council from 1997 to 2004, and then was Mayor from 2005-2011. He truly enjoyed serving the city of Marlin and was a big supporter of the Brushy Creek Project. Norman was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church of Marlin where he served on numerous local, district, and conference levels. He cherished being an usher and greeting people the most while a member. He also served on several local community committees that included Marlin Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Marlin Chamber of Commerce, Marlin Band Parents Association, Marlin Allen House, and the Falls County A&M Club.

When he was not serving others, he enjoyed spending time with his family, attending and watching his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies, gardening and tending to his fruit trees, fishing, working on the farm and feeding the cows, playing 42 dominoes, and sitting at a “Penny” slot machine at various casinos.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Erskine, brother-in-law David Jund, and sister-in-law Doris Erskine.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn Erskine, son Russell Erskine of Wylie, TX, son and daughter in law Neal and Vandi Erskine of College Station and grandson Garrett Erskine of College Station, brother Joe Erskine of Kosse, TX, sister and brother-in-law Judy and Larry Truett of Marlin, sister-in-law Sally Jund of Gatesville, TX, sister-in-law Dianne Erskine of Agawam, MA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 23, from 6-8 pm at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin. Celebration of life will be held Friday, March 24 at 10:00 am at First Methodist Church, 411 Coleman St, Marlin, with interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Jeffrey Jobe, Preston Jund, Kenneth Drews, Jimmy Mitchell, Darrell Koester, and Shawn Hunt. Honorary pallbearers are James Walton Jones, Jack Patterson, Curtis Jobe, Curtis Moore, Buddy Chamberlain, Jay Butler, Roy Diles, and Vick Hauser.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Traditions Home Health and Hospice, Texas Quality Home Health, Dr. David Fedro, Dr. Baran Sumer, and Alexis Ruiz of Visiting Angels.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church or The Historic Allen House, both of Marlin.