DAWSON, IL – David Ross Erwin, 72, passed away in the early morning hours of September 19, 2020, at his home.

He was born May 7, 1948 in Decatur, the son of George and Gloria Erwin, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Candice Cowan on November 7, 1981 at the United Methodist Church in Arenzville.

Dave graduated from McArthur High School in Decatur in 1966. He attended SIU in Carbondale for a year before enlisting in the service. Dave served his country in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

When he returned from Vietnam, he worked at Sangchris Lake under a veteran's program. The park was not developed at that time and he worked on a crew that cleared brush from around the lake and throughout the area that is now the park. After all of the clearing was complete, the crew went on to develop the parks campsites.

Dave was employed at an office job, doing construction work and at a food distribution company before settling into a job with the state of Illinois. He worked at the Office of the Secretary of State for over twenty years before retiring.

Dave's interests included fishing, yardwork, photography, target shooting and travel.

Survivors include his wife, Candice Erwin; daughter, Heather Erwin; and sister, Sue (Mike) Boos.

A graveside service will be held at noon Friday, September 25, 2020, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with Pastor Larry Hanson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Per rules set forth by Camp Butler National Cemetery, attendance is limited to 30 people and masks must be worn.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Vietnam Veterans of America.