John W. Erwin

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ John Wendell Erwin III, 63, of Tamaroa, passed away at 8:01 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

J.W. had been the third generation owner and operator of Erwin Florist in Du Quoin. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin, Du Quoin Elks Lodge, Du Quoin Eagles, Du Quoin American Legion, and FTD Florist. He was the tri-state district representative for FTD Florist. He was the Elks Lodge Treasurer for twenty-eight years and served as Exalted Ruler twice. He was a member of the Du Quoin Elks Veterans Committee and a member of the Elks National Foundation. J.W. also helped the Lions Club deliver Christmas baskets. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam.

He was born January 6, 1945 at Du Quoin, the son of John Wendell and Erma E. (Reidelberger) Erwin II.

He first married Judith Kimmel and to this union was born a son - John William Erwin IV. He then married Rebecca Eisenhauer and she survives.

He is survived by his mother - Erma E. Erwin of Tamaroa, one son - John William Erwin IV and Heather Vercellino of Christopher, one grandson - John William Erwin V of Du Quoin, one sister - Linda Biby and husband Steve of Pinckneyville, niece - Elizabeth Cheek and husband Ryan of Pinckneyville and their children Ethan and Evan, nephew - Kevin Biby and wife Richel of Pinckneyville and their children Grant and Garrett.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 20, at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Randy Allison officiating.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Elks Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and National Guard.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.