AUGUSTA – Retired Maine State Senator and Army Colonel Edgar E. Erwin Jr. of Rumford, made his final journey on July 24, while at MaineGeneral Medical Center.
Ed was born a southern boy in Lake Providence, La., on Feb. 19, 1920. After being raised on a cotton plantation, he went on to Louisiana State University to graduate in the engineering/ROTC program.
He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, in England, Africa and Italy, attaining the rank of colonel.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Boise Cascade Paper Co. as a civil engineer for 30 years. He also served the state of Maine as a state senator for eight years.
He was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge of Rumford, past commander of the Rumford American Legion Post and a member of the Past Commanders Club of Maine.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, retired Maine House Representative and Navy veteran Phyllis (Rogers) Erwin of Rumford; one daughter, Emily Kathryn “Emmy K” Congdon of Newport, Calif.; one stepdaughter, Susan Hayes of Hermon; one stepson, Michael Matthews of Lisbon Falls; seven grandchildren, Erik Richman, Stefan Richman, Isaac Congdon, Joshua Congdon, Jessica Hayes, Stephanie Brown and Araminta Matthews; five great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Brown, Madison Richman, Kyle Richman, Megan Richman and Dylan Richman; and a special niece, Clarice Tibbs of Longview, Texas.
He loved life. He will always be remembered as a “southern gentleman” who loved to dance.
We gratefully thank him for his steadfast commitment to his country and the state of Maine through his many devoted years to the military, American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Maine Legislature.
Ed, we will remember your charm and you will always be in our hearts.
His daughter shares this poem: When God sent forth this little child, Ed to learn the ways of earth, a Mother’s Love (Mama Dolly) was waiting and we call this wonder “Birth.”
When God called home this tired soul, Ed and stilled that faithful breath, Love Divine was waiting and this too is “Birth” not death.
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