David Erwin aka Ernie, 61, of Joliet, IL. passed away peacefully at his Mother's home in Mendota, IL. September 30, 2023 surrounded by loving family members.

David was born in St. Joseph, MO. on March 12, 1962 to Stanley and Carol (Johnson) Erwin.

He spent his childhood and high school years in Mendota, IL and was given the nickname "Ernie" which stuck his entire life. He attended college at Illinois State University graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Education. David found his way to Joliet, where he had friends from college and took a job with Marmon Keystone and later Old Dominion Freight Line. After working over 30 years in the trucking industry, he took a job as a paraprofessional in the Joliet High School system. David found fulfillment in connecting with the students and developing relationships with them. David lived in Joliet for 40 years and made many good friends. His greatest joys were friends and family. He was also a huge Iowa Hawkeye Fan and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan. The simple pleasures of life, friends and family are what brought him happiness.

David is survived by his mom, Carol Erwin of Mendota; sister, Kimberly (George) Nonas of West Chicago, IL; sister, Shelley (Glenn) Brunker of Charlotte, NC; five nieces and nephews, Megan, Nick and Zach Nelson, Jordan and Josh Brunker and two great nieces Milani and Chiara Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Erwin, grandparents Winston and Lois Erwin and R.D. and Marguerite Johnson.

There will be no visitation or service. Per David's request, we will be having a Celebration of Life Party in the coming weeks for friends and family. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers a memorial may be sent to St. Jude's https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/5002352