Ervin Sires Rutherford was born March 29, 1919, in Row, to Daniel Sires and Lora Mae (Wilson) Rutherford. He departed this life on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in Springdale, Ark., at the age of 92 years, five months, and three days.
As a young child, Ervin's family moved in a covered wagon from Row to Hulbert. He grew up and attended schools in Hulbert. Ervin proudly served his country in the U. S, Army with the Oklahoma 45th Division. He served two tours of duty, first in North Africa and Europe, and second in the Pacific and Phillipines.
On Oct. 4, 1941, in Tulsa County, Ervin and Helen Verbena Taylor were united in marriage. They lived in Peggs from 1945 until 1952, then Tulsa from 1952 until 1979. They settled and made Peggs their home in 1979. Helen preceded Ervin in death on March 30, 2008.
Ervin was raised in a Holiness Church and most recently attended Peggs Community Church. He worked as a foreman for Arco Warehouse in Tulsa, retiring in 1979. He then started working on his farm, where he raised Hereford cattle. He also grew a vegetable garden and sold okra, strawberries, tomatoes, and apples. Ervin sold wood, as well. He enjoyed fishing and hunting squirrel and quail. He loved hunting with Brittney Spaniel dogs.
Ervin is survived by his caregiver, Dena Englebright of Peggs; caregivers from Horizon Hospice of Tahlequah; and Caregivers from the Circle of Life Hospice of Springdale, Ark.
Although Ervin and Helen never had children, they were very involved and loved by 15 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, many friends and extended family.
Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters, Emma Elizabeth, Grace Holcomb, Opal Lovett, Viola Osley, Bertha Ogden, Bonnie Bell Blatchford, and Loretta Foster; and one brother, Lemuel.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, at the Peggs Community Church in Peggs, with Rev. Bill Holcomb officiating. Interment will follow at New Home Cemetery in Peggs. Services have been entrusted to the Locust Grove Funeral Home.
Thoughts, memories, or condolences may be left at http://www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com/.
Locust Grove Funeral Home, 120 N. Wyandotte, (918) 479-8161.