Robert Bartley Erwin passed away at home Friday, June 18, 2021, at the age of 85. In recent years, Bob was cared for by his family and caregivers as he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. He was the best example of loyalty, working hard, and dedication to the task at hand, which prepared his family well in deciding to care for Bob in his home throughout his illness.
On November 16, 1956, Bob married Nancy Lou LeFever. In addition to Nancy, surviving are daughters Cheryl A. Erwin, Linda L. Erwin-Hutchins (Dave Hutchins), and son Jeffrey L. Erwin (Shellie Erwin); grandchildren Drew Erwin, Aubrie Erwin, Caitlin Hutchins, Jack Hutchins, Brittnee (Tyler) Vermillion, and great-grandchildren Adeline Vermillion, Sawyer Vermillion and Bowie Vermillion. Bob is also survived by his brothers Ron Erwin (Kathie) of Troy, and Don Erwin (Barb) of Urbana. His sister Marvelene (Gene) Kizer preceded him in death. Bob always ensured his family knew of his love for them, and he was a trusted advisor to anyone who needed him.
A long-time member of the Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church, Bob faithfully attended every Sunday until his health no longer permitted him to. For several years he taught a Sunday School class, and he meticulously prepared for it each week.
Bob was born April 6, 1936 to the late William E. and Asenath A. Barger Erwin. He grew up on the family farm in Champaign County, Ohio, where the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and taking care of each other were instilled in him. He graduated valedictorian from Concord Local in 1954 (now known as Graham Local Schools).
The values learned on the family farm carried him throughout his working life after graduating high school, when he was employed by G.C. Murphy and Dee’s Department Store. He then enjoyed a successful life-long career as an insurance agent with Nationwide Insurance after being convinced in 1960 by the late Herb Traucht – then a sales manager with Nationwide Insurance – to “try it out.” Bob operated Erwin Insurance Agency until his retirement in 1997.
Bob was named Nationwide’s Agent of the Year for two separate years, out of more than 4,000 agents in the country, and he always credited his success to his family, his employees, and his many clients over the years – many who became good personal friends to him. In 1996, Bob was inducted into Nationwide’s prestigious Hall of Fame, reflecting his dedication to his clients, as well as the trust and loyalty they placed in him. Bob loved people, and he greatly valued his work protecting individuals and families over nearly four decades.
For several years Bob and Nancy and their family enjoyed their vacation home on Indian Lake, which prompted Bob’s interest in preserving Indian Lake for other families to enjoy for decades to come. He loved to take guests boating, and he thoroughly enjoyed leisure time there with family and friends.
Over the years Bob contributed his time and talents to many organizations, including the Indian Lake Watershed Project, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, Exchange Club, the Logan County Republican Party, Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church, Mary Rutan Hospital, Green Hills Community, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Elks, Antioch Shrine, and Scottish Rite. He earned the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation and served as an instructor for local life insurance agents for years. Bob and Nancy contributed financially to capital campaign projects at the Hilliker YMCA, Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church, and Green Hills, and Bob was honored to have the Erwin Pavilion named for him at the Boy Scouts’ Camp Birch in Yellow Springs. Whether serving in a leadership role, or as a member of an organization, he gave his all in whatever he did.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 23 at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street in Bellefontaine, where Pastor Ron Irick will officiate the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Drew Erwin, Jack Hutchins, Dave Hutchins, Tyler Vermillion, Sawyer Vermillion, Phillip Guajardo, and Matt Erwin. Honorary pallbearers are Aubrie Erwin and Caitlin Hutchins.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Indian Lake Watershed Project, 324 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, or Tecumseh Council BSA (Boy Scouts of America), 326 S. Thompson Ave., Springfield, OH 45506.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Erwin family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.