William Clarence Erwin, 84, of McLeansboro, died at 12:40 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 1997, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. He was a welder in his early years working as a shipbuilder in Alabama, then working as a pipefitter in Southern Illinois. Mr. Erwin also farmed for many years.
He was born September 3, 1912, in Hamilton County, a son of William Samuel and Maud (Williams) Erwin. On March 22, 1941, he married Golda Pearl (Wallace) Erwin, who survives. He was a member of the old Mt. Nebo Church and in later years attended Pleasant Grove. He was also a retired member of Pipefitters Union in West Frankfort.
The funeral was at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 1997, at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. The Rev. Garlin Burris officiated. Burial was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery.
Mr. Erwin is survived by his wife, Golda Erwin of McLeansboro; one son, Clarence Erwin and wife Judy of McLeansboro; four grandchildren, Teresa, Gary, Chad, and Amanda Erwin of McLeansboro; three brothers, James Erwin and wife Fern of McLeansboro, Dwight Erwin and wife Mildred of Benton and Dewayne Erwin and wife Joyce of LaGrange, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Roger and infant Richard Leon; and two sisters, Edna Tolley and Opal Burris.