John Thomas Erwin

John was born January 24, 1923 in Big Springs, Tennessee. He proudly served his country in the First Marine Corps Division during World War II. John participated in battles in Guadalcanal and throughout the South Pacific. He was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the U.S. Presidential Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

John had a long career with local distributors, having worked with both United Distributing and Lookout Distributing to name a few.

John was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian where he served as a Deacon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Laurel James and Hubert Erwin; one brother, Louis “Kayo” H. Erwin; and a grandson, Patrick Erwin.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 73 years, Margaret Erwin; three children, Carol (Chris) Carden, Gary (Cheryl) Erwin, and Tim (Marlene) Erwin; three grandchildren, Chris (Paul) Smith, Katie (Wes) Thompson, and Kyli Erwin; four great-grandchildren, Alley Thomas, Layla and Margo Smith; great-great-grandchild, Benjamin Thompson, adopted daughter, Deborah White; sisters, Tommie Kaye Layman, Shirley Cofer, and Betty Scott; brother, Paul Erwin; and many nieces, nephews, and several close friends.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Monday December 30, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning Sunday evening December 29, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers for the service will be Kayo Erwin Jr, Wayne Dunn, Joe Massey, Jon Roberts, Paul Smith, and Wes Thompson.

The family wishes to thank the Amedisys Home Health staff, especially Jill Powell and Melissa McCranie. They would also like to thank Kindred Hospice and staff, especially, Kathryn Teeters and Jennifer Montgomery. Last but not least a very special thank you to Curtis Powell.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com