Rotarian Bill Ervin Passes Away
William C. Ervin (Bill) from Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on December 15, 2023. He was born June 18, 1939, in Terre Haute Indiana to Alberta and William C Ervin. Bill, was married to his wife of 66 years, Joan (Baumann) Ervin.
Bill was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, attended Wiley High School and Indiana University for undergraduate and law school where he graduated with a Bachelor of laws degree in 1964 and became a lifelong member of the bar association. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Baumann, who joined him at IU earning her undergraduate degree and Master of Education.
Bill, expressed that he never would have imagined that his life would be as richly blessed as it was. He was raised in a caring atmosphere, blessed with lifelong friends from his high school years and challenged and encouraged in his education through college. Along the way he was lucky enough to work at many different jobs and with many people who touched his life. He delivered newspapers, cut grass, caddied, served ice cream, installed seat covers, was a Kroger stock boy, rolled whisky barrels, shoveled snow, loaded anti-freeze, ran a coffee concession, and for six years worked in the pool room at Indiana University and repaired pool tables during which he became the 1961 Intercollegiate Three Cushion Billiard Championship.
After graduation Bill joined the FBI and the Ervin family commenced moving around the country for the next 26 years. His career in the FBI he labeled knowingly and with great care; challenging, rewarding, frustrating and exhilarating. FBI assignments took the family to New Orleans, Columbia and Aiken, South Carolina, Boston, Washington D.C., Richmond Virginia, Honolulu and Indianapolis. Bill retired in 1990 as Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis FBI Field Office. After retiring he continued his interests as an account executive at Dean Witter; Co-founder of 19th Star Productions, a documentary production company, and an adjunct professor at Butler University in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.
He was a prolific reader with a love for history and especially WWII history.
The blessings in his life included a 42-year relationship with Rotary International in Honolulu and Indianapolis, 31 years as an Advisory Board member of the Salvation Army, 18 years as a board member of the John Weidner Foundation; being a co-founder in 1987 and Board member since of the Indianapolis World War II Roundtable; and being a Life Master bridge player.
His relationship with each of these organizations exposed him to people who are the heart and soul of society. He experienced unstinting kindness, a penchant to do good from people he met, so many curious and inventive minds, and unlimited graciousness. His work with these groups contained some of his proudest moments.
Throughout his life Bill was associated both professionally and personally with many organizations including the Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel ; FBI Citizens Academy :The Federal Executive Association, President; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy; Indiana Communities for Drug Free Youth , Governors Commissions for a Drug Free Indiana. Indiana High School Basketball Historical Society. Hook’s Discovery Learning Center; C.H.A.N.C.E.S for Youth Board.
As he said. “I am a lucky, lucky man. God has granted me a life richly blessed by family and friends, especially my wife Joan whose patience is unmatched”.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother Alberta (Schnell) Ervin, his father, William C. Ervin and his younger brother Fred Ervin. He is survived by his wife Joan Ervin; children Catherine E. Costlow (David); Bryan D. Ervin (Suzan) and grandchildren Sarah Ervin and Laura Ervin.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E Main St, Carmel, IN.
Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the John Hendy Weidner Foundation for Altruism – Butler University Weidner Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. Address envelopes to: Office of University Advancement, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208. (Checks may be made out to Butler University with the name of the scholarship fund in the memo line).
You may also make a contribution to the Salvation Army, 6060 Castleway West Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. ( https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana/ )
Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.
