Donald L. Erskin

Donald L. "Don" Erskin, 82, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at Elmhaven Nursing Home in Parsons.

Donald Lee Erskin was born on January 31, 1938, to Charley and Beatrice (Sala) Erskin in Mound Valley. As a young boy, Don grew up and attended school in Mound Valley. He graduated from Mound Valley High School and joined the United States Army.

After his military service, Don worked at L & L Construction in Altamont for several years. He then worked for an oil company in Independence for a time. He worked at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for twelve years until his retirement in 2003.

In earlier years, Don belonged to the Brown-Bishop Post 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family. He also enjoyed woodworking and working with his hands, fishing and sports.

He married Cynthia Pape. The couple later divorced. On February 14, 1986, he was united in marriage with Alvera Crater. She preceded him in death on February 14, 2011.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Grace Erskin-Babcock of Oswego, Kansas

One step-son – Tom Schibi and his companion, Sally Mosier, of Parsons

Five grandchildren – Mandy Schibi, Niki Burnett, Zach Schibi, Aren Babcock, and Racie Babcock

Five great-grandchildren – Aubrey Burnett, Drake Burnett, Cadence Schibi, Anderson Schibi and Aison Schibi

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alvera; two brothers, Frank and James Erskin; and one sister, Louise Shearhart.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at the Mound Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.