Memorial services held for Dr. Ervin A. Byers on October 9 at Bethel Cemetery
Dr. Ervin Alfred Byers, age 85, of Italy, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2015 peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Ervin was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years Ann Sims Byers, May 3, 2014. (Submitted photo)
Dr. Ervin Alfred Byers, age 85, of Italy, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2015 peacefully at his home while surrounded by family. He was born June 27, 1930, in Waxahachie to Lena and Harry Byers. Ervin was the youngest of five children which included Ruth, Bernard, Rossell and Ronald.
Ervin “Doc” Byers practiced dentistry in Waxahachie and in Italy for over 25 years, served as a Captain in the Air Force, loved to play tennis, had a jovial sense of humor, was an accomplished trombone player while a member of the Waxahachie High School Band and enjoyed watching westerns throughout his life.
He attended Southern Methodist University before finishing his degree for General Dentistry from the University of Texas at Galveston.
During his term in the armed forces, Ervin traveled as a dentist to remote, and often extreme, locations around the globe such as Siberia and Labrador. After Ervin determined that soldiers were suffering from malnutrition by examining their teeth, air drops containing vegetables were soon delivered to the satisfaction of the troops.
Ervin was often the center of attention and could command a room with his colorful and out-going personality, as well as with his brightly colored dress attire. In fact, mail would often be delivered to a Mr. Wonderful located at his address. He stayed involved within his community thru ‘local politics’, as a pee-wee coach and as a sports reporter for the Italy News Herald back in late 1980s. In what began as a coach/player relationship, Ervin and his long-time tennis partner Gary Love, of Waxahachie, have remained friends and were recently able to spend time together.
Ervin was proceeded in death by his wife of 49 years Ann Sims Byers, May 3, 2014. He is survived by children Steve, Sandy, Kenny, Alan, Jane, Brentley, and Barry. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren Lauren, Katie, Zain, John, Daniel, Scott, Morgan, Garrett and Kayla.
The graveside service for Ervin was held at the Bethel Cemetery on Friday, October 9, 2015, where he was laid to rest next to his beloved Ann.
“Happy Trails”
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.