Doc Stephen Ervin

Doc (Lyle) Ervin (75) passed away at his home in Montgomery, IL on Friday, June 14, 2024. Doc was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 22, 1948. Doc enjoyed his childhood and preferred playing in the country fields more than spending time in the house or in a classroom. This "child at heart" mentality persisted throughout the duration of his life.

Doc was drafted and served in Vietnam until he was severely wounded during the Battle at Hamburger Hill on May 15, 1969. Doc received two purple hearts, two Vietnam Service Medals, and a National Defense Medal for his heroism and valor while serving in the U.S. Army. In the years that followed, Doc married (Carolyn Liddell) in 1971 and they had one child (Kevin Ervin) in 1972. Doc became involved in weight training/bodybuilding (also childhood interests), and he strengthened his body and his mind through his trust in iron.

Doc had many passions beyond lifting weights. Doc enjoyed coaching football in Oswego, and he developed numerous relationships and he had a positive and quantifiable impact on the lives of many, many people. Doc enjoyed hunting pheasants with his family, fishing (fished in Canada with his son, Kevin, from 2008-2019), muscle cars, bike riding, walking "Grandpa's hill" behind the Civic Center in Oswego, and so much more.

Doc loved to laugh, and his selfless attitude and personality were a beacon to all of those who knew him. Doc loved to watch a beautiful sunrise/sunset, and nature was where he felt most at peace. Doc had a fierce loyalty to those he loved, and family was his highest value. Spending time with his siblings (like playing pool at his brother Dana's house), hitting the pavement with his son for long walks, eating his daughter-in-law's (Melanie) cooking, or talking and laughing with his grandkids (Matthew and Jessie) meant more to Doc than anything in the world. As Doc aged, his role as "Grandpa" became his pride and joy and he loved telling his grandchildren stories from his youth-stories about his oddball high school friends and the scrapping with adversaries that characterized his adolescent years, to his time in Vietnam and more, Doc's family was his love and his only focus.

Doc was preceded in death by his father William Ervin, his mother Freda Ervin, his older sister Carla Ervin, and his younger brother Bill Ervin. Doc is survived by his son Kevin Ervin (Melanie), his grandchildren Matthew and Jessie Ervin, his brothers Gary Ervin, Dennis Ervin (Edel), and Dana Ervin (Amy), and his sister Darcy Capacosa (Gary).

A celebration of life will be held for Doc on Saturday, October 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Reuland's Food Service (115 Oak Avenue, Aurora, IL). Food will be provided.