SEYMOUR
Joseph Allen Erp, 83, of Seymour, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Plymouth.
Born June 17, 1933, in South Bend, he was the son of George E. and Camilla M. Reilly Erp, both of whom preceded him in death. On Aug. 19, 1961, in Seymour, he married Nancy Jane Beldon, who survives.
He was a long-time member of the Elks, serving as the state president in 1989. He spent more than 17 years as the chairman of the Indiana Elks Cancer Research Fund and during that time, more than $3 million was raised to fight cancer. Joe received the Sagamore of the Wabash award in recognition of his dedication and service in the Elks around the state. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he had served as chairman of the trustees and finance chairman. He also served on the church administrative board and as the senior United Methodist Church youth fellowship leader for 25 years.
He was co-chairman of Jackson County Heart Association with his wife for 10 years. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 655 and Sons of the Legion. He was a past member of the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors and the industrial board, and he also had served as car chairman for the Oktoberfest.
Other survivors include his children, Charlotte (Daniel) Tyree, James (Gloria) Erp and Sarah (David) McKenzie; siblings, George (Phyllis) Erp, Mary Stewart, Camilla (Warren) Braunsdorf, James (Linda) Erp, Rosemarie Grams and Paul (Marcia) Erp; brother-in-law, Don Kline, and sister-in-law, Nancy Erp; grandchildren, Nancy Tyree, Jonathan Tyree, Emily McKenzie, Trent McKenzie and Payton Erp; stepgrandchildren, Katie (Mike) Bowshers, Fletcher Davidson, Jacob (Sam) Davidson and Becky Davidson; stepgreat-grandchildren, Owen Bowshers, Duncan Bowshers and Macsen Bowshers; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Charles Erp, David Erp, Betty Kline, Jerry Hossom and Jenny Glon; and brothers-in-law, Al Stewart, Phil Hossom and Reggie Glon.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Seymour with the Rev. Sandy Cooper officiating. A reflection on Joe’s life will be given by his friend Don Hill. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Burkholder Funeral Chapel and from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.
A special service presented by members of the Elks across the state will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Indiana Elks Cancer Research Fund.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared at burkholderfuneralchapel.com