Karl Erwin

Karl Erwin, 86 years of age, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024 with his children at his bedside. Karl was born April 14, 1938 in Elliottville Kentucky, a small community close to where he grew up. His beloved wife, Joyce Louise (Elam) Erwin of 64 years passed May 13, 2023. Karl is preceded in death by his parents; Walter Erwin and Dolly (Fultz) Erwin. He was one of 10 children of which 6 preceded him in death.

Karl is survived by 2 sisters, Delma (Erwin) Haggard, Jewell (Erwin) Beaudry, and one brother Albert Erwin. His son, Michael Wayne (Kim) Erwin, daughter, Vicki Lynn (Thad) Laywell; 4 grandchildren, Chelsea (Rob) Waugh, Allie Dyer, Andrew (Morgan) Dyer and Austin Dyer. Karl and Joyce were blessed with 5 great grandchildren; Rubie Elam Waugh, Sutton James Waugh, Michaela Byrge Waugh, Silas Andrew Dyer and Saige Elizabeth Dyer. 

Karl was raised on a tobacco farm with his other siblings and attended Church of God while growing up. He graduated from Morehead High School where he was successful in the Future Farmers of America. Karl met Joyce while she was caring for someone at Claude Brown’s farm where he was training horses. They were married on October 4, 1958. Karl had a natural talent for training Tennessee Walking Horses. He was a trainer for B. Major Wilson, World Champion in 1961. The choice of Major Wilson was one of the most popular Grand Championship awards ever made at the Celebration and Karl was a trainer for Major Wilson. 

Karl was a man of few loves, with the most important being his wife Joyce. His love for the outdoors-camping, hunting and fishing were obvious and he did not go many places without a fishing pole or a gun. Joyce was always by his side especially when it came to fishing. The yearly family vacations were usually spent at Rice Lake in Canada with many wonderful memories. Karl always had a strong work ethic. He retired from Delco Products after 30 years of service. In his early years at Delco, he was still training horses. Many days he would work 12 hour shifts and then head to the barn to train horses. Karl loved his family and was always trying to provide for his wife and children. When the grandchildren and later great grandchildren came into their life, he was known as Papaw and then PiPi. If one of them wanted or needed anything he was the Papaw for the job. Karl was never a fan of shopping but when little Chelsea and Allie wanted a special baby doll at Christmas time, he waited in line to make sure the girls got their doll. Karl was the “barber” in the family and he always kept Andrew and Austin in the best “buzz” haircut you could find anywhere. 

The last 3 years of Karl and Joyce’s life together was anything but easy. Both were struggling with health concerns and life seemed to take away everything they built together. Despite those last years, it was evident that God was always by their side. The love they had for each other continued even after death separated them for a short time. Now they are together with no more pain or confusion. Karl will be missed by many but the family finds comfort that they are back together in the arms of our Savior. Rest in peace Dad aka Pappy/Papaw/PiPi. We all love you so much.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459). Funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow in Miami Valley Memory Gardens.

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