Ervin Albert Derr

08/08/1950 - 08/22/2025

Ervin Albert Derr, age 75, of Elizabeth City, NC, died at his home on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born in Easton, PA, on August 8, 1950, to the late Jacob H. Derr and Marie Fazzini Derr. He was preceded in death in 2012 by his loving wife of 40 years, Terry L. (Davis) Derr. He is survived by his second wife, Susan A. Kelley.
Ervin enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, along with his identical twin brother, Nathan, at the age of 18. His first tour of duty was on the high-endurance USCGC Spencer as a Sonarman, conducting ocean station duty off the Atlantic coast. Later, he transitioned to the USCG aviation field, where he attended school to become an Aircraft Electrical Technician.
Ervin continued this role in support of the USCG aviation fleet and spent over 30 years in service, advancing to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer prior to his retirement. He served various commands at Base Elizabeth City, taught at the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC), completed a tour as a Maintenance Officer at the Air Station, and was instrumental in developing the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center's logistics management system (ACMS). Ervin served a short tour in central Pennsylvania as a recruiter, where he also supported the local township as a volunteer firefighter. He completed his active-duty career in Mobile, AL, and retired to Elizabeth City, NC. Following retirement, Ervin continued to support the ALC as a Contracts Program Manager (PM) for another 20 years. Between his military active-duty and civilian contractor status, he served the USCG for over 50 years, earning a very solid reputation as a dedicated PM. He was deeply respected and loved by those who worked with him and for him.
In his free time, Ervin loved to spend time on his boat fishing with friends, his children, and his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, playing locally with various groups at The Pines. He and his late wife, Terry, also played golf together on a regular basis. They enjoyed weekend trips to Dover, where they spent time together at the casino, saw shows, and attended NASCAR races. Ervin was an accomplished carpenter and loved to build custom furniture pieces, decks, and even a home for his family. He was well known for sharing his talents and skills, often assisting family and friends with building projects. Ervin also loved gardening and was known for generously sharing the fruits of his labor with the neighborhood.
Ervin was a dedicated father, grandfather, and husband who believed in strong traditional family values and Christian principles. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends.
Ervin is survived by his daughter, Megan Derr of Elizabeth City, NC; sons, Jason Derr (Tara) of Easton, PA, Bryan Derr (Laura) of Elizabeth City, NC, and Todd Derr (Addie) of Durham, NC; sisters, Yvonne May (Nelson) of Easton, PA, Jane Richards (David) of Forks Township, PA, Diane Derr of Easton, PA, and Michele Ekdahl (Chad) of Allentown, PA; brothers, Nathan Derr (Sandra) of Dike, TX and Jacob Derr (Julie) of Martins Creek, PA; grandchildren, Rose, Grace, Maverick, Ryan, Jacob, and Elsie; and a host of extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Derr.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Twiford Memorial Chapel, officiated by Chaplain Kevin Reiver. Burial will take place at West Lawn Cemetery.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Derr Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.