Mrs./ Sarah P. (Skiatook Resident )
To the Ervin Family, August 6, 2007 I was looking for the Skiatook School Calendar when I came across your tribute to your son/brother..... My condolences to you all....I've been reading your tribute to "JD". I can't say "I know what you all going through"...but I know my mom can....you just have to stay strong and know he's being taken care of.....this past May has been two years of loss for you all.....time eventually heals but not totally....my mom and dad lost 3 children....two just recently but they had lived life....being 45 and 49 years old when they passed away. And I know my mom thinks about my sister because she passed away at the young age of 15.....it was hard on all of us...because we didn't know where she was for 10 days....and then we got the bad news....it's scary and hard....still today it hurts and this happened in May 1975....continue to talk to JD and know he hears every word and I pray that all of you will put all of your pain and sorrow in God's hands.....and that He will comfort you and put you at peace. My dad just passed away on June 29th 2007 and I know we all deal differently with death....it just comforted me when I prayed to God about putting my saddness and my dads pain in His hands and to just do away with it....because I did all I could do for my dad....to me that helped me cope a little better with his upcoming death....he had suffered from cancer for one month before he finally lost his fight....and I couldn't stand the pain he was going through....so I prayed with him everytime he asked me to and even when he didn't ask me to....and I prayed that little sentence every time....I hope you will find comfort in knowing your son is definately in a better place and one day we will be there. God Bless you all....Take Care and Stay Strong..... Close
Missing You / Roger Ervin (Father)
So many things have changed so much since you left us son, I know you know everything that happens and I know the bible tells us there is no sorrow in heaven so I pray that the changes that have taken place don't allow you to sorrow. Your mother and I are no longer together she has chosen to move back home, your sis will be here with me, it would have been so much greater had you been able to stay, but I know God must have had a special need for a young man like yourself, but just know OL DAD misses you terribly, I miss the talks, the way you use to tell me the straight of it and I always listened you were so wise beyond your years, just know that OL DAD thinks of you every minute, from the time my feet hit the floor till the time my head hits the pillow at night your always on my mind. I think I have dealt with your loss the best way I could, maybe I could have done better, but I did my best. Like I always say save OL DAD a place up there, I'll see ya when my numbers called. Close
A Shining Star, Gone Now, But Forever Burned into our Memories / Mary "Beth" Ervin (Mom)
Son, I miss you every day but I know that you are busy in heaven, at peace and getting things ready for us to join you some day. I replaced some flowers the same color as OU and left a OU Sooner magnet at your grave. I love you so much son. It was a privilege being able to raise you. You blessed me so much by all your talent and accomplishments. Your athletic achievements alone left me in tears and I was so very proud of you. Your academic achievements too left me feeling proud of you too. I don't think I'll ever understand why the Lord took you at only 17 1/2 but I know he must have had a good reason. I'm sure I'll know that reason when I reach the other side. The last decision you made in your life was to save Samantha and you did son. You sacrificed yourself to save another. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friend and you did that with your last action on this earth. I am really proud that you loved others unconditionally. Your unconditional love for Sam saved her life. And you fought so bravely to stay with us but it was not to be. Its been two and a half years now and I'm just now starting to have a peace about your loss. Its been a hard road to get here. You will always be my hero for the way you lived your life and the way you finished your life. I'm so thankful that we had you for the 17 1/2 years you were here. I don't have any anger toward the Lord. I trust in his omnipotence in this situation and I know he will bring me through and help me live day by day until the Lord calls me home and what a reunion will we have. Close
Missing You / Roger Ervin (Father)
So many changes ahead son, I still miss you daily, wish you were here. Trying to get my heart ready for the new life I will have ahead of me. OL DAD misses you so terribly, not getting to talk to you before you left leaves so many things unspoken at least in my mind, I know I said a lot to you in the hospital I an only believe that you heard it. Most of your friends are doing really good, some I haven't spoken with in a while, but one thing is for certain you are truly missed. As I always say save OL DAD a place, oh I almost forgot your sis is now a permitted driver, it's hard to believe it's been that long already. Close
Moving to South Carolina / Beth Ervin (Mom)
Well Son, I can really hear and feel your prayers for our family. I am moving back to South Carolina where all my family members live. I'm still dealing with your loss and battling health issues and I finally came to the sad conclusion that I needed more help than I can be provided due to current circumstances which I know your aware of. I'll be staying with my sister Cathy and her daughter Casey at first. I got Dee and myself cell phones with long distance so we can call each other any time of the day. I have a peace in my heart even though I know when July 28 comes and I have to fly out for good, it will be really hard to leave your dad and sister behind. I know the Lord will take good care of them. My sister Nancy has promised to help pray me through this difficult time of my life. The Lord has alot left to accomplish in me and I'm ready for it, wanting it, hungry for it, longing for it, I just have to run my race the best I can. I want to be a blessing to people rather than a burden. I believe that my redemption draweth nigh. I love and miss you always. I'll always be proud that God gave you to us to raise. It was a joy unspeakable watching you and your brother and sister grow up. Even though we only had you for 17 1/2 years, we're still so proud of you and love you. During this transition, please keep us in your prayers. Hugs and Love Close
Hey, bub! hows heaven? well i bet your havin fun......i dnt know if its the same for me but you know how it is your my GUARDIAN ANGEL! I wish you were here, i wish you could see this place......I've been strugglin bubba and its been hard for me to understand things and to let go cuz i miss you so........ You would be happy for me and dad....he and i's relantionship is goin GREAT! I lov him to death, i feel bad though cuz i know it hurts him to watch me grow cuz i'm becoming a great young lady! and i look more and more lik you everyday! I guess you know mom and dad are gettin a divorce she's movin back down to South Carolina while i stay here with ol fart! lol Well bub i mish the old days and not a day goes by that i dont think of you......I DO CHERISH YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART...I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! i cant wait too see ya again lov ya bubba
My Son, Hero, missed daily but always loved! / Mary (Beth) Ervin (Mom)
Lord, please tell JD this for me. I have shared your testimony of whomever would listen since your death. You were so brave and acourageous that night. You hit three times, once on the pavement, once on land, and I think the third time was in the ditch. But I know your believing girlfriend drug herself six feet to you with four breaks in her pelvis and three fractures in her right foot. God gave you both supernatural grace, strength, and love that night. Jesus, my dad and you will always be my heros. They say time should make it easier but its a daily battle just some days you don't win as much. Eash year your memories are sweeter and do tend to hurt less. I rejoice when I see on of your many friends who are now working in the ministry. You gave them so much in spiration down here. Now that your prayers are coming to pass down here, God is moving mightily in Skiatook. My sister and my mom are going to help put me back together and in the minitstry, talking to women just like myself whove lost one or more to trajedy. I'm turning the trajecty that happened in my own life into a victory for JESUS and defeat for the devil!!! Let me hear an AMEN out there. I'm going to minister to as many as I can before Jesus takes me home. I want to see woman set free from grief. Lester Sumrall said "Grief will destroy you, if you don't destroy it first." So I'm doing the bravest thing I've ever done in my life and I hope your proud of me up there. God is sending me to South Carolina not only to heal but to encourage and preach. One day you'll look up and see a shooting star coming across the sky and you can say guys look, there comes my mom. Close
Video Clips / Roger Ervin (Father)
You will have to forgive me son I have tried numerous times to add video clips, but can't seem to get through the editing, I've had problems trying to come up with software to edit these clips only to have two hours of work lost because of a glitch. I want the world to see the natural abilities you posessed son and I promise I will get them on here. I know your having a blast up there in heaven, keep OL DAD in your prayers I really need them right now. As I always tell you and I mean it from my heart save OL DAD a place, I'll be seeing you when my numbers called. Close
Two Year Anniversary / Roger Ervin (Father)
I really don't know where the time has gone son, it seems sometimes that I'm frozen in a time warp and I can't seem to snap out of it. Everything to me is as vivid as it was two years ago, the accident scene, the trip to the hospital, everything that happened in those days we were there and your leaving us. I know with Gods help that someday I will be able to better manage how I handle these memories, it's those that we created together that mean so very much to me, thats something I never want to replace. I couldn't have asked for a better son, friend and hunting companion than I had in you son, your presence is forever felt, your always on my mind, from the time my feet hit the floor till I lay my head down at night. I miss you so terribly, but know that God has this under control and in his time I will get to see your smiling face once again, as I always say, save OL DAD a place. Close
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY / Debbie Wengert (Kevin's Mom )Read >>
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY / Debbie Wengert (Kevin's Mom )
2nd Anniversary of passsing is May 6, 2007 / Mary Beth Ervin (Mom)
Lord tell my son, how much we all miss him and we're all still trying to overcome the grief of his loss. We know he's in heaven doing your work and is surrounded by supernatural peace, love, and joy full of God's glory. Its hard for us here on earth to imagine heaven. JD, please be in that great crowd of witnesses cheering your dad, Keith, DeeAnna and myself and the rest of your relatives on May 6, 2007. I know that in heaven theres only infinity so things are different than what they are on earth. On earth everything we do is measured by some type of time limit. But in heaven theres infinity which goes on forever. Time isn't measured in the same increments like we do here on earth. We miss your smiling face, bubbly personality, and big hugs and kisses. May 6, may be just a moment out of your day but it will continue to be a very long day here on earth for your family and relatives. Keep us in your prayers as always. I'd give anything to hear you singing the praises of God as you continue learning, working, and growing more like our blessed savior every day. You were and always will be one of a kind. We were so blessed to watch you grow up and all the joy you gave us through your achievements. Thanks again for saving Sam's life by protecting her with your body without concern for yourself. Your our hero. One day I'll join you since my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. When my name is called, what a day of rejoicing that will be for me. But until that time keep us all in your prayers and and know that you have a place in our hearts forever. As your cheering us on, please look at your sister DeeAnna, she gets more beautiful every day. She really shines spiritually and physically. Please pray with me too that in the right timing, God will send the right man in here life as a help mate. I love you Bubba. Amen.
Missing You / Roger Ervin (Father)
A lot of changes ahead son, it's hard to believe that we are standing on the doorstep of two years since you left us. Please keep Ol DAD in your prayers son I'm gonna need it. I know I've said it a hundred times, but I don't know if I can ever fill the huge hole that is in my heart. Sometimes are such a struggle, somedays it's hard to concentrate on the tasks at hand because I think of the what if's. But I have to remind myself of Gods control and the overall plan and eventually knowing that I will get to see your smiling face again when my number comes up. Pray for your sis shes having a real tough time right now as well, shes such a beautiful young woman, you would be so proud of her. As I always say son, save Ol DAD a place and I'll see ya when it's my time. Close
Missing You / Roger Ervin (Father)
I surely wish you were here right now son, you always gave me the straight of it when you talked to me, I'm going through a very dark valley right now and not sure when my exit might come, I know your with me every step of the way, I sense your presence so strong sometimes I actually look to see if you are really there. So many things are changing, our family hasn't been and never will be the same without you. I will be looking forward when God calls me home to see your smiling face and get a big ol hug, as I always say save OL DAD a place. Keep a watch over your sis, she's struggling right now as well. Close
Lord, please both you and JD keep DeeAnna close to your heart. She's having a hard time right now and I want you to cover her with your peace and joy. Please give her a special touch from church tonight. We all miss and love you JD. You loved well and were well loved in return. Thank the Lord that he loves us all regardless of our faults. We're on a journey toward perfection which you've already reached.
Thank you for sharing / Jan Perry (fellow bowhunter )
I originally red Roger's letter in Bowhunting World and felt compelled to look up the site. It is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your treasured memories of your son. Sadly, I KNOW all too well the pain you feel. I lost my only son at 16 in an auto accident. It has been 20 years,5 mos. and 1 day since my Carlo went to heaven. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and Thank God for LOANING me a very special son. His death almost destroyed me and I think if I had done something like this for him, it would have helped me tremendously. You have done him a great honor and I know he is looking down on you and is proud.
My son was new to bowhunting at the time of his death and 10 years later, I made him a promise to fulfill his dream of getting a buck with a bow. I did it too and somewhere along the way, I became a bowhunter and cherish every minute I am afield and know he is right there with me.
Memories are true treasures.
Gentle thoughts and prayers, Jan Lady Bowhunter, California
Jeremy's Personality / Mary Beth Ervin (Mom)
JD, I know your in the middle of big plans in heaven since its almost easter and I'm sure the celebrations up there are so wonderful that we don't have the right words to describe them. I was thinking today about some of my favorite things about you. You had the handsomest smile after your braces came off, dimples, and beautiful hazel eyes like mine. Your nose was strong and manly. Your favorite sport became football after hurting your pitching arm playing competitive baseball. Your favorite foods were: spaghetti, chilli, mexican, italian, pastas, beef and deer steaks, and my home made chicken and rice or chicken and noodles. Your favorite saying when you were little was "Daddy, what ya doing? Daddy, what ya doing?" You were speaking in full sentences by the age of two and you followed your daddy almost constantly asking questions. You were so eager to learn. Every toy we bought you, you took a part to see how it worked and then put it back together again. You would sit in front of your sister when she was in the toddler swing and you could make her giggle and laugh harder than any one. One of the first words you learned was burrito which you pronounced as "Be Dough." You were always happy when you got your Be Dough. You always called your sister sissy and your brother bubba or bud. You were never satisfied with being average at anything you did, you always had to be the best at anything you did. You had such a thirst for knowledge, it seemed like I answered more questions for you when you were growing up than any one else. When you were little you were timid and shy about most things except sports. Once when you were in the 5th grade someone dared you to moon somebody else while you were on the school bus coming home from school. When I got the call from the school I said you must be mistaken, my son was shy and always locked the door when going to the bathroom. They had to positively convince me it was you. You got yourself in more trouble over being dared and not backing down. All your friends thought you were superman, some even called you mountain man. I'll never forget the time when you were pitching to Kelly Cooper or it might have been Adam Kubicki and you threw the ball hard enough that it burnt the seams of the baseball into the glove. You were only 13 at the time. One of your favorite sayings when you'd done something wrong was: "Oh My bad, I'm sorry." I remember one funny story when you were about four or five and I had you in the bath tub and the phone rang, I ran to grab the cordless and came immediately back to the bathroom to find you had done number two in the bathwater and there were turds floating around in your bathwater. I was so mad. I grabbed out of the tub, removed the offensive matter and flushed it down the toilet, sprayed and scrubbed the tube with pinesol and chlorox, rinsed the tub real good and then bathed you again. I know I swatted you twice on the bottom for doing number two in the tub. The story doesn't end here. Several weeks later, I have JD in the bathtub and the phone rings, I run to get the cordless and race back to the bathroom to check on my son. The minute I stepped into the bathroom, I could smell an awful smell. I looked into your bath water intently and it was clean. Then I noticed on the outside of the tub brown like racing strips and at the bottom were several turds. You were so small but because you didn't want to get in trouble again, I don't know how you were able to get your butt hiked high enough and keep your balance. I almost fell in the floor laughing. You were determined to follow my orders alright by not doing number two in the bath tub again. You were always kind, but you had a strength inside of you to succeed, and when necessary you could be as tough as any situation required. Especially on the football field. You figured out early that if you made a really good impression by hitting really hard the first plan that normally you could control your opponent for the rest of the night. You used your strength when it was necessary but never intentionally to hurt someoone. We were always proud of you for that. You also if while pitching would come off the pitcher's mound and shake hands with the batter to let him know it was not intentional. Bathtime was always a necessity as you were growing up until you met girls. Then suddently sometimes you'd take two or three baths a day. You always had to have a certain body wash, body spray, and a cologne. You did wear cologne exactly like your grandfather Ervin did, you used it liberally. Most of the time you were the class clown and one of the biggest prankster to your friends in the school. You've left behind a legacy of some of your stunts which I wont mention. You hardly ever drank pop but usually drank a sports drink, gatorade, powerade of some kind. You would fuss at me and your daddy for drinking too much pop. You always said it was like putting poison in your body and you wanted you body to work like a well oiled machine. You sleep walked alot all of your life. You talked in your sleep almost nightly and would even answer questions when asked while you were sleeping. You would watch your sports tapes over and over and over again to learn by your mistakes and others and then you not only fixed your mistakes, you helped your coplayers understand certain plans better so they would improve their play too. You were very charming which is something I'm afraid you got from both of your grandfathers, but you were caring, and protective. I taught you not to ever lay a hand on a woman and to protect them and treat them just like you would a sister. You were like a big brother to so many of your teenage girl friends and then trusted your opinion when they asked you if you thought they should date a certain someone. You were always honest with them and all the girls that were your friend knew that if any boy laid a hand on them that they'd only have to say the word and you would take care of it for them. If you found out something funny about someone else, you'd hardly ever let them live it down. You also made us nicknames for most of your friends. We taught you growing up to love unconditionally and be quick to forgive. Roger and I knew we had done something right when over 1100 people showed up at your funeral. So many people love you and are still missing you today. You had the biggest heart. I can remember one evening that Casey Hermann called and she was upset sitting in a car over at Walmart. It was after 10:00pm on a school night and you came and asked me, if you could please go be there for her until you'd know she was okay. I gave you the keys to my car and off you went. You held Casey and let her cry on your shoulder until she felt better. When you did get home you thanked me for trusting you and letting you go. Casey was one of your best friends and it blessed me to know that you'd take the time to give her a shoulder to cry on. Theres alot of the male sex that wouldn't have done that but it didn't bother you at all, in fact it made you feel better to help Casey feel better and know she would be alright and get home safe. You were fearless in your eadeavers because you told me the Lord would always take care of you. In the short time you were here, we have a wall full of basketball, baseball, football, wrestling and 22 track and field medals (4 of the conference). One baseball trophy where you hit 16 home runs and 52 RBI's in one season (and you would have and 20 home runs if they counted the extra ones during th times we played over just for fun). You have some archery trophys and trophys where you got first place playing x-box and playstation. I had bought you a collector's edition of an atlanta brave bat signed by all the playes several years back. I'm thinking of giving it to Keith and letting him pass it down to Logan. I want to take your sissy to South Carolina for a visit this summer. Please pray this trip comes to pass it will be good for both of us. DeeAnna is attending a full gospel church in Tulsa and is doing really well right now. I'd still like our relationship to be closer. I'm hoping the time together to South Carolina will remedy any of our differences. I miss hearing you and justin laughing or insulting each other playing xbox on the big screen. The house has gotten so quite since you've been gone. On we got a scholarship offering from Tulsa School of Aeronautics yesterday for you. We just placed the envelope in your box. You were so brave protecting Sam the night of the car accident. Your bear hug around her saved her life. Your selflessness I'm sure will be rewarded in heaven. I just miss your big hugs, sweet smiles, and all the I Love you Mom. DeeAnna's the same as raised or thinks she is since she's about to turn 13. I'm feeling kind of useless. Son, we all miss you unbearably at times. Your memories are never far from our hearts. Please remember you Uncle Wayne in Prayer, He's been in the hospital with an infection in his leg. At first his leg was responding, now it seems like its not doing quite as well. As you already know there are alot of changes coming up for me to please ask Jesus to make sure my feet are being order of the Lord and finally, I am not missing his will. Love Always, Your Mom Close
Always Loving, ALways Missing, Looking forward to see you in heaven some day / Beth Ervin (Mom)Read >>
Always Loving, ALways Missing, Looking forward to see you in heaven some day / Beth Ervin (Mom)
JD, DeeAnna passed a required reading test and completed her driver's ed so now we can take her for her driving license test. I need her to be able to drive for her and I to make a trip to South Carolina this summer. Can you believe it that Dee will be 16 on June 26. We're planning on leaving around the end of june and come back by the end of July. My sister Cathy has volunteered to take us to Hilton Head to have a birthday beach party for both of our daughters. Cathy's daughter's Casey will turn 13 on July 4. I'm just working on loosing enough weight to get back into my bathing suit. I'm sure I can get it done. Its finally warmed up enough where I can go walking again on the prairie trail in skiatook. Your brother will be 27 on June 2. His boss has nicknamed him Sasquatch. I knew you'd get a kick out of that. Logan's is almost 5 ft tall and he'll turn 8 this coming August 4. I think he's going to be taller than you or Keith. I have two praise reports to tell you about. I prayed the sinner's prayer with my niece Casey and she asked Jesus to come into her heart. The I also got a chance to pray the sinner's prayer with Logan and he has Jesus into his heart. I also asked the Lord to let your mantle to play sports be passed onto him. I've heard that Kelly Cooper is going to school and that Nathan has met a real sweet girl from I think they said glenpool. I went to church Sunday and met a lady who know all the kids that were with the group the night of the accident. She held my hand and prayed for me. A certain cousin of yours is wanting to have another baby hopefully a boy, can you put in a good word for them with the Lord. Also, Crystal Canady is thinking about moving to Texas with Clarence if he continues to prove that he is ready to take care of her and both the kids. JD ask the Lord to work on soften up your brother's heart and your Dad's about getting involved in church again. Keith's kids are just at the age that that they need to see mom and dad together in church with them. DeeAnna's found a nice church that she loves thats spirit filled and she's been really enjoying herself and learning alot. I wish you could see the picture Dee drew of you and sam together in her room, its really wonderful. She's so talented and more honery than I am, if you can believe that. The pink roses that my mom planted in your memory are growing and looking great. I can't wait to see them when I go home. You and DeeAnna were the most important and best accomplishments we ever made by bringing you into this world. Being Keith's stepmom, I always told Keith that I didn't have to give birth to him that the Lord just gave him to me to raise, my special boy. We taught ya'll to all love each other unconditionally and as the years go by its wonderful seeing that some of the things we tried to get through to you kids, you have understood are using these same practices with your children. I love you son and I can't wait to see what you've been working on up there for our family. I want plenty of beautiful flowers and flowering trees. I'm sure you've already got it ready. You've made me so very proud. You put someone else's needs ahead of your own regardless of the consequences to yourself. Greater Love hath no one than to lay down their life for their friends. You laid yourself down for Samantha that night and your will and courage of heart has touched many and keeps on touching others. When I see a really bright star shining at night sometimes I wonder if that's your start looking down on us. Please keep the intercessors praying for your dad, he's still really having a hard time since your passing. I trust you to say the right prayers since you knew his heart so well too. Also keep praying for Tyler he's got to go to court on Tuesday and may have to go to jail. Cathy is really concerned for him. He need a revival from his head down to his shoes. Thank you JD and Jesus, I'll love you forever. Close
On March 24, my niece (Crystal), great niece (Brianna) and my great nephew (Cody) were traveling in a vehicle coming back from Galveston. A car hit them from behind which pushed them forward into another lane of traffic where the passenger side of the car was T-boned or hit on the passenger side. Most the time Brianna would have been sitting in the front passenger seat. This time she was sitting in the middle in the back seat with Cody sitting in his car seat in the back seat. Brianna only had on her lap belt and was laying on her right side in the back seat. As soon as I heard about the wreck I called Crystal to make sure everyone was okay. Brianna kept yelling "Is that my Aunt Beth, Is that my Aunt Beth on the phonel." Crystal handed Brianna the phone to talk to me. Brianna is only 6, she'll soon turn 7 in April. My son JD (who passed away in 2005) and myself used to race each other two doors down to rock Brianna to sleep at night when she was a baby and young toddler. Briana's real dad never really participated in her life so my son decided that he would love to be a male figure in Brianna's life. Brianna had a rough time after JD passed away. Brianna told me that JD appeared and sat next to her head just before the accident and during the accident he laid over top of her keeping her still and he told her she and Cody would be just fine. Brianna doesn't even have a bruise on her an didn't hit her head during the wreck. The lap belt didn't even bruise her lap or legs. Cody was just fine too. I'm sure it was a guardian angel that protected Brianna that day but Brianna saw the guardian angel as JD, a family member she loved dearly and trusted, someone who would have been a comfort to her during a stressful time. Please feel free to share this story with your loved ones. Childlike Faith is so beautiful, its a shame most of us loose it as we get older. God Bless You and Jesus Loves You.
The high school football coach is checking to see if we could honor you with a trophy case at the school. We would put all you academic and athletic certificates and trophies. Your archery, baseball, basketball, football, track and field and wrestling trophys. Plus, all your academic certificates. This would be a great way to inspire other teenagers to try and reach or surpass your achievements. I'd be thrilled because its a great way to carry on your memory for the next generations of teenagers. I am proud of you son and miss your hugs. Love you, mom.
Tributes and Condolences
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