Marion M. Erwin

Mr. Marion M. Erwin, 95, of Pontotoc, Miss., passed away Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Born Sept. 14, 1918, in Black Rock, Ark., he was the son of Marion W. and Nadine Kelley Erwin.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Alma Starr and Hazel Massey; by his first wife, Juanita Erwin, in 1969; and by his second wife, Alleen Erwin, in 1996.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Mylinda and Bill Nelson of Blytheville, and his daughter Marion Erwin, whose loving and thoughtful care for him during the past two years allowed him remain active throughout his life.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pontotoc and of the Tupelo Lions Club. Following his retirement as a consulting engineer and owner of Pontotoc Field Service, he devoted much of his time to growing roses and in service to the Lions Club. He drove the sight van donated by Bryan Foods to the Mississippi Lions, traveling throughout the state to schools, industries and malls where he was met by medical professionals to do vision screening. Over 257,000 people were checked in 82 Mississippi counties during his tenure.

He served as club president, Zone Chairman, District Governor, President of the Lions Sight Foundation, President of the Activities Corporation and President of the Mid-South Sight Service Foundation. He was a long-time member of the International Pin traders. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow and was honored to be inducted into the Mississippi Lions Hall of Fame. Additional recognition of his service to Lionism included the International President's Award, the President's Leadership Award, the Masters Key, and several International Presidential Certificates of Appreciation. The Board of Directors of Lions International conferred him with Life Membership in 2012. He was also a Life Member of the Mid-South Lions Sight Service.

A memorial service in celebration of the life of Marion Erwin was held at the First United Methodist Church in Pontotoc, Miss., on Nov. 22, 2013. Burial was in Salem, Mo.

The family suggests memorials be designated to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 308, Pontotoc, MS 38863 or to the Tupelo Lions Club, P.O. Box 512, Tupelo, MS 38802.