"Sometimes like a father figure, sometimes like a brother. Honest and truthful no matter how tough the situation. Working beside you wasn?t always easy and we didn?t always see eye to eye but we managed to become friends through the years and stood side by side through quite a lot. You helped me discover so much about myself and helped me grow as a person. I?ll miss the words of wisdom you shared with me and the guidance you provided. Most of all I?ll miss you my friend. My heart goes out to all those who?s lives you touched, for our worlds will be a little emptier without you in it. With love, Kathy Powell "
In loving memory of
Dennis Terry Erwin
December 25, 1944 - August 26, 2020
Dennis "Terry" Erwin, 75, of Mountain City, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020 surrounded by family and friends at his home.
Terry was born on December 25, 1944 in Donna, Texas. He was a 1963 graduate of Donna High School and was part of the state championship football team. Terry went on to become certified as a laboratory technician, surgical technician, and an emergency medical technician. He worked at the Navasota Medical Center and Grimes County Hospital, and also worked as a physician assistant for a general surgeon for over 20 years. Terry volunteered as an EMT and served as an instructor for the local EMT and paramedic program.
In 1988, Terry followed his passion for the outdoors and joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He worked as the Hunter Education Coordinator for 24 years until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, he instructed at the Texas Game Warden Academy, and worked very closely with his fellow Hunter Education instructors throughout the state. Terry dedicated his time, passion and love for the outdoors with a heavy focus on hunter education and safety, both nationally and internationally. Terry volunteered his time teaching fellow volunteers and students who were seeking certification in hunter safety. For 25 years, he served as an officer for the International Hunter Education Association.
Terry served as a good and upstanding Master Mason for fifty-two years. In 2018, he was pinned with his 50-year service pin from the Navasota Masonic Lodge #299. His family, friends and fellow Masons were so proud of his accomplishment.
Terry is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Burna of Mountain City, son Larry D'Wayne Erwin and wife Edla of Cedar Park, daughter Kelle Michele Daigle and husband Steve of Humble, son Patrick Henry Frantzen and wife Erin of Fredericksburg, sister Tara Dittmann and husband Bill of Houston, brother Jimmy Allphin and wife Stacie of Spring, grandchildren Natasha Farnsworth, Dylan Frantzen, Ethan Frantzen, and Suzy Frantzen, great granddaughter Gemma and eleven nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at one o'clock. Services will be streamed live and can be found at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com under Terry's obituary/service information. There will be a short reception to follow after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made in Terry's honor at www.texastheia.org, or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the physicians and staff of Texas Oncology and Halcyon Home, LLC, in addition to the countless family, friends and neighbors that stood by them through this journey. They are forever grateful for each of you.
Tributes
"I am honored to be able to call Terry \"my friend\". He was a great neighbor who was always willing to help out. I will greatly miss talking to him, and laughing with him, over the back fence between our yards."
"R.I.P. Terry, we will carry on with the work. "
"It is difficult to lose a close friend, mentor, colleague and \"father/brother\" -- but we are comforted in knowing that Terry will always be with us -- while celebrating, hunting, teaching, visiting others or simply remembering the great times we\'ve had together. We love you, Terry, and will think of you daily. May you Rest in Peace! - Steve, Karen, Ryan and Sarah (God Daughter) Hall"
"I had the pleasure of working alongside Terry as an officer in the IHEA. In my early years as a Hunter Education Coordinator for the state of New Mexico Terry took me under his wing and mentored me. His vast knowledge and gentle demeanor will be memories I always cherish. Rest In Peace my friend!"
"Thank you to Terry for his life of selfless service to others. Though I never had the privilege of meeting him, I\'m honored to call him a Brother Mason and know he left a wonderful example for all good men to follow. "
"Terry and I shared many special times together, especially when he was staying in Winters with Troy and Maedean. He was always able to tell of some seemingly simple event in unique and interesting ways. He was a joy to be around. He accomplished a lot in his life and made many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Burna, and the whole family. My love to all of you, Dennis Rodgers "
"Eternally grateful to have been called his friend. Sincere condolences to Burna and family. Anne Collins Huser"
"Terry will always be remembered as a professional educator, a personal friend, and a great supporter of conservation law enforcement! You will be missed but your contributions to Texas will live on! Craig Hunter, COL (Ret)"