Edgar D. Erskin

Edgar D. Erskin, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was called home at 2:30 am Thursday, April 20, 2017, and peacefully went to be with the Savior he served all his life, after battling Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia.

He was born January 8, 1935 in Alma, Michigan to Milton and Mattie Erskin, who preceded him in death.  Ed grew up in St. Louis, Michigan with three brothers, Milton Erskin and Howard Erskin, who also preceded him in death, and Doug and Becky Erskin, who survive, along with one sister, Barb Erskin.

Ed met his wife, Glenda (Mick) Erskin at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, MI, where he graduated in 1958.  They were married on April 17, 1959.  His loving wife has been his number one supporter and best friend, caring for him during the last few years of his life. They celebrated 58 years of marriage just a few days prior to his passing.  They have two children, of whom he was so proud, Kim Wagley and Jim Erskin, who survive.  His beloved son-in-law, Doug Wagley, preceded him in death.

“Grandpa Shoe” was blessed and able to bless a multitude of grandchildren, all who survive, including Justin M. Goodman, Kristin and Mike Kromer, Amy and Tim Daffron, Carol and Tim McNeely, Annette Whicker, Virginia Bauer and Wendi Smith; and loving great grandchildren, who became the light of his life in his last years, include Gabriella Goodman, Arrianna Whicker, Cayden, Skyler and Hudson Kromer, Caden and Mikalah Daffron, Morgan and Collin McNeely, Gerri Ann Bauer, Hannah & Michael Kendall and Kayia Smith. Also surviving are a dear brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Carolyn Mick; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Ed began his ministry at Newtown Church of Christ in Battle Creek, Michigan, and later served at Harris Prairie Church of Christ in Granger for 19 years during a time of large growth in that community.  He later served at Warsaw Church of Christ and Silver Star Christian Church in Orlando, Florida as well as Elkhart Church of Christ before retiring in 2016 from Northway Church of Christ in South Bend, after having served 19 years.  He also served with the Palmer Funeral Homes for more than 40 years.

He had the privilege of marrying hundreds of couples, serving in laying loved ones to rest and leading people to Christ.   

He was an accomplished pianist and organist, as well as soloist.  He led many choirs thru the years, including a group of 30 teenagers called God’s Patriots, who traveled the US singing for God and Country.  He cherished his years traveling and singing with a quartet and duets.  Ed was a master gardener and loved flowers and landscaping rocks.  His gardens were often the envy of many.  

The family wishes to thank the caring, loving staff at Heartland Hospice.

Funeral services for Ed will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, April 24, 2017 in Northpoint Vineyard Church (formerly Harris Prairie Church of Christ), 14719 State Road 23, Granger, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow in Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 6:00 pm Sunday, April 23, 2017 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.

Memorial donations may be made to the Northway Church of Christ Building Fund, 19525 Auten Road, South Bend, IN 46637 in Ed’s memory.  Because of Ed’s love of flowers, those acts of kindness are also welcome.

Online condolences may be left for the Erskin family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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