Merritt (Papa) Gene Ervin passed away on Monday April 22, 2019 at the age of 83. Merritt was being treated at the VA care home in Phoenix, AZ from complications related to his Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, and COPD.
Born in Gary, Indiana on March 19, 1936, Merritt would go on to join the US Navy at 21 and make a career of it. Merritt would look back on his career with continued pride, and was never at a loss for a story to share or lesson to describe. His family will remember Papa most for his love of walks and the World Famous San Diego Zoo, of old western movies and Looney Tunes, but mostly his deep love for his family.
"Dedicated Mariner" to the end.
"Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy."
Merritt left behind the love of his life and wife, Mina Ervin; his brother Hoyt and sister-in-law Pat Ervin; and his beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed. A committal service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Date to be determined later this May.
