Gerald James Erwin, OHS 1958

(b 9-26-38 -  - d 2-9-16)

Gerald James Erwin, 77 of Midland, Texas, passed on to be with the Lord on February 9, 2016. Gerald was born September 26, 1938 in Fisher County, Texas to Chris Erwin and Violet May Dooley, the youngest of three children. He spent most of his young adulthood in Odessa, Texas where he graduated from Odessa High School in 1958. Attending Baylor University on an athletic scholarship, Gerald received a BBA in 1962. He was also quarterback for the football team, as well as a baseball pitcher for the Baylor Bears. On May 1, 1969, he married Myrtle Ann Walters in Denver City, Texas. They were married 46 years. After college graduation, Gerald was in the Army and served in Alaska. Upon discharge, he farmed with his father in Yoakum County, Texas for approximately five years. In 1975, he began a long career in the oil and gas industry and served as Vice President of Intratex Gas Company in Midland, where he worked for over 20 years. After his retirement, Gerald was able to pursue his lifelong passion of raising and racing greyhounds. He was a member of the National Greyhound Association, as well as President of the Texas Greyhound Association from 1988 to 1992. Gerald was a hard-working man who took great pleasure in working with his greyhounds, as well as spending time with his granddaughters. An avid sports fan, Gerald was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan until the end. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Gerald is survived by his wife, Myrtle; son, Clay Jason Erwin; daughter, Paige Erwin McPherson; brother, Ronald J. Erwin and wife Jeanne; sister, Mary Lee Presley of Waco, Texas; and granddaughters, Katie Erwin of Odessa, and Claire, Ashlynn, and Kenley McPherson, all of Midland. He was preceded in death by his parents. The Erwin family would like to thank Hospice of Midland and his loving nurse, Paula Telford, for the wonderful care he received. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701, to support their ongoing work with patients and families. Graveside service will be held on Friday February 12, 2016 at American Heritage Cemetery and Funeral Home, 4100 N FM 1788, Midland, Texas at 2:00 p.m.