John Ervin, beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away July 1st at the age of 76. He was born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas by his parents Mitchell and Zona (Knox) Ervin. John was known as a heck of a man and a mechanic. In his early life, John could often be found driving his motorcycle, going quail hunting, water skiing, or camping with his wife Regenia Ervin and their friends. After his retirement from Duncan Industries as a Machinist/Tool and Die Maker, John stayed active at his machine shop and fish farm. Beyond work, he enjoyed participating in the Masonic Lodge and Shriners Club as well as drag racing. He lived an exceptionally full life surrounded by his friends and family who will forever be grateful for the love, friendship, and support he has given throughout his life. 

John is survived by his children and grandchildren; daughter Carrie (Ervin) Kauffman of Harrison, Arkansas; son John Matthew and his wife Julie (Mingus) Ervin of Seymour, Missouri. Grandchildren: Christopher and wife Melinda (Haynes) Breedlove of Mountain Home, Arkansas; Kaelea (Breedlove) and husband Benjamin Lokovich of Ozark, Missouri; Kenzie (Breedlove) and husband Anthony Aguilar of Green Forest, Arkansas; Kara Maybee of Marshall, Missouri; Koda and Kasen Maybee of Harrison, Arkansas; and Sadie Ervin of Seymour, Missouri; Brandon Breedlove of Richmond,California; Camisha (Breedlove) and husband Josh Sheen of Berryville, Arkansas; great grandchildren Kameron, Nevaeh, Malachi and Sophia Breedlove of Mountain Home; Naomi and Jordan Sheen of Berryville, Arkansas; Amari Lou Aguilar (Pitty Pat) of Green Forest, Arkansas; and 2 more that will arrive the first part of next year! Brother James "Ronnie" and wife Patricia Ervin of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law Deanne (Smith) and husband Floy Bell of Green Forest, Arkansas; stepsister Jackie and husband Wes Stites of Fayetteville, Arkansas; stepsister Mary Hickman of Harrison, Arkansas, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him greatly. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Regenia (Smith) Ervin, granddaughter Mollie Jo Ervin, stepmother Kathryn (Sims) Ervin; father-in-law James Smith, mother-in-law Wilma (Davis) Smith, brother-in-law AJ Smith; and brother-in-law Thomas Smith. 

A memorial service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest, Arkansas on July 13th at 10:00am. In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor. Thank you to all the friends and family who have loved and cherished Papa John throughout his life.