Longtime Pioneer Park supervisor Paul Erb passes away

Here is his obituary, courtesy of the Marietta Times

Paul R. Erb, 80, of Riverview Drive, Marietta, died at his home at 7:55 a.m. Monday (Aug. 25, 2008).

He was born in Marietta on Nov. 17, 1927, to the late Homer H. and Norma Fickeisen Erb.

He graduated from Salem Liberty High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Navy for two tours of duty. Paul was retired from 40 years as a painting contractor and owner of Erb Decorating Store. He worked for many years on Hadley Field and then for 17 years as head groundskeeper of Marietta College Pioneer Park. He had been active in many bowling leagues and was a life member of V.F.W. Post 5108 and attended St. Paul's Evangelical Church.

He married Betty L. Kehl Erb on June 7, 1947, in Warner, Ohio, and they just celebrated their 61st anniversary. Three daughters survive, Sue Joy (David), Jo Heldman (Greg) and Norma French (Steve). There are five grandchildren, Shawn Joy (Julie), Kelly Heldman, Jennifer Reed (Ronnie), Cathy Whittekind (Rob) and Beth Wheeler (Dennis). He also has nine great-grandchilren, Alexa, Brady, and Drew Whittekind, Lindsay and Derek Joy, Danielle and Lukas Reed, and Cole and Blake Wheeler. One sister, Sally Schafer; two sisters-in-law, Betty Erb and Margie Morgenstern; and a brother-in-law, Neal Kehl (Alma) also survive.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Claude Erb; and a brother-in-law, Bob Schafer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hadley Funeral Home, 500 Fifth St., Marietta Chapel, with Pastor Tom Hendershot officiating. Burial with full graveside military rites will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Home Nursing, 210 N. Seventh St., Marietta, Ohio 45750.

Online condolences may be made to hadleyfuneralhomes.com .