Thomas B. “Tom” Ervin, 77, of Le Claire, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Davenport, Iowa.
In accord with Tom’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the First Presbyterian Church in Davenport. A private burial will take place at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Tom was born Oct. 4, 1945, in Perry, Iowa, to Berton Leroy and Iva Rose (Cornelius) Ervin.
He graduated from Perry High School in 1963 and from University of Northern Iowa in 1967. He later earned his master’s degree in science at the University of Iowa.
Tom was a science teacher for Wood Intermediate and North High School, retiring in 2003.
He was a former president of the Iowa Science Teachers Section and was a two-time president of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, in which he was so active that the organization created the Tom Ervin Distinguished Service Award.
In 2002 he was honored as the Outstanding Alumni of UNI.
Tom was a lifelong Boy Scout, turned Eagle Scout and was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He was presented the Silver Beaver Award, BSA’s highest honor, given to registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council. He was also an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 7 for 49 years,
On July 21, 1990, in Davenport, he was united in marriage to Cynthia “Sue” Ervin, whom he met in the First Presbyterian Church Choir and in which he was a 56-year member.
Tom and Sue shared interests in many other various local organizations.
Tom collected rocks, fossils and Boy Scout memorabilia. He enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking, grilling and entertaining.
He especially enjoyed playing cribbage and teaching his grandchildren to play it from a young age. He also loved telling jokes and stories, and he was world class at it.
Tom was predeceased by his parents; and his daughter, K.C. Griesenbeck.
Survivors include his loving wife, Sue; son, Andy (Kendra) Ervin of Eldridge; stepson, Jason (Kim) Carbee of Omaha, Nebraska; son-in-law, Aaron (Shannon) Griesenbeck of Davenport; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Pat Wilson, Joanne Hill and Susan Hastie; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be left to Loud Thunder Boy Scout Camp and First Presbyterian Church Choir. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.
