Robert Haywood Erdmann

Robert Haywood Erdmann, known as “Woody” by his siblings, “Dad” by his children, and “Papa” by his grandchildren, was born July 14, 1938, in Vernon, Texas, and passed away on March 9, 2026, at his home in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of 87.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie with Pastor Larry Shields officiating.  A luncheon will follow at Faith Baptist Church in Wichita Falls.

Haywood was the eighth of fifteen children and was proud of his heritage and German descent. He loved his siblings dearly.

Some would say Haywood had a big personality and a strong will. Haywood lived life with energy and warmth that drew people to him. He never met a stranger. Those who knew him remember how genuine he was—and he made no apologies for who he was.

Haywood worked hard so his children could have a good life and grow into the people they were meant to be. He loved his grandchildren. He was notorious for fixing broken toys and creating fun through his keen ability to build anything. He had a remarkable talent for problem-solving and could figure out almost anything mechanically. When he built his own home, he worked side by side with every builder he hired, learning and contributing to each part of the process.

Haywood was a devoted husband. He married a quiet, thoughtful woman who embraced the gregarious personality that defined him. Despite being so different, he loved her deeply and supported her in every way. He consistently attributed becoming the man he was solely because of his wife.

Haywood lived by example, showing those around him how to embrace life fully. He believed in staying busy, helping others, and serving his community. He was a man of deep faith who loved the church and served as a deacon for many years. He was active in civic life and volunteered frequently through his church, where he was often found behind the grill preparing meals for large gatherings. He was also a longtime member of the Lions Club in Olney, Texas, and served as a volunteer fireman in Clarendon, Texas, which he loved.

An avid gardener throughout his adult life, Haywood found great joy in working with the earth and sharing what he grew with family and friends. Anyone who knows him well has heard the statement, “Good and Good For You” on a routine basis. 

Haywood served his country in the National Guard before being called to active duty in the United States Army. After his service, he began a long career with Lone Star Gas. Even after retiring from that career, Haywood wasn’t ready to slow down. He later proudly worked for the Wichita Falls Police Department as a sentinel. In fact, he continued working until the age of 85—because sitting around simply wasn’t the life for him.

Haywood will be remembered as a man who was full of life, generous with his time, and always ready to tackle any problem at hand.  He would not want those who loved him to be sad—he was ready to go home.  In fact, during the last week of his life, he made the statement that his bags were already packed. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught by example, and the love he gave to his family and community.

Haywood was preceded in death by his father, Robert Henry Erdmann  and his mother, Alice Augusta Erdmann;  and by his siblings, Lameh Pearl Gibbs, Velma Leonette Graham, Rolice Gilmore Erdmann, Patricia Ann McConnell, and Roy Marcus Erdmann.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Burldean Erdmann; his son, Jonathan Mark Erdmann; and his son, Robert Matthew Erdmann and wife Kendra Erdmann, along with their children Grant Erdmann and Colton Erdmann.

He is also survived by his daughter, Helen Renee Whaley and husband Stephen Stowe, along with their children McKenna Whaley, Morgan Whaley, Robinson Stowe, and Eliza Stowe.

Additional survivors include his siblings: Dentler Schubert Erdmann, Sarah Jane Kunkel, Alvin Lee Erdmann, Judith Nell Erdmann, Bettie Carole Lawlis, Nelson Henry Erdmann, Brenda Sue Chapman, Sheridan Ruth Irvin, and Dawn Alice Potter.