Charles Lewis Erwin

Charles Lewis Erwin, 79, died Aug. 20, 2012, at his home in Palmer with his family by his side.

He was born June 9, 1933, in Pickneyville, Ill. He was in the U.S. Air Force. He retired after 20 years of service May 31, 1974, as a tech sergeant from Malmstrom Air Force base in Malmstrom, Mont. He became a resident of Palmer in 1970. He worked 15 years civil service for GSA in the federal building in Anchorage. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

Charles was very proud to serve his country. He also lived in Cadillac, Mich. from 1994 to 2009.

Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR and rebuilding classic cars. He had a passion for restoring classic cars and spending many hours at it. He enjoyed is so much that he helped build and restore a car for each one of his children. He always had a good story to share with everyone. His stories were long, but worth the wait. He had a great love for animals and enjoyed his time feeding wildlife.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lee and Anna Erwin; and his brother, Garnet Erwin.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Faye Erwin; sons, Charles Erwin Jr. (Dusty) and wife Dianna, James Erwin and wife Sandy, and John Erwin; daughters, Susan Walker and husband Dave, and Cynthia Cunningham and husband Donnie; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his canine friend, Maxie.

Visitation is at 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 24 at Kehl’s Palmer Chapel 209 S. Alaska St., Palmer. Interment is at 1:30 at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow at the family home in Palmer.

Memorial donations can be sent to the Palmer Senior Citizen Center, 1132 S Chugach St., Palmer, AK 99645.

The family was taken care of by Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel in Palmer.