Ervin Willms

The Kingfisher community lost one of the most honest, hardworking men anyone could ever know.

Ervin August Willms passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born Nov. 10, 1927, to Wilhelm and Martha (Schroeder) Willms, he was the second eldest of nine children. He had four brothers and four sisters.

Ervin attended school in Pleasant Valley, a little one-room school east of Okarche.

After graduating Big Four High School, Ervin was inducted into the United States Army in 1950 where he served as Jeep and truck driver in the transport division.

He served his country during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1956.

Ervin was a long-standing member of the American Legion.

Having been born into a Christian family, Ervin’s faith in God always remained an important part of his life. He was baptized Dec. 4, 1927, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kingfisher on June 7, 1942.

Ervin was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

On Dec. 10, 1960, Ervin married Julia ZumMallen at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with two children, Donald Allen and Anita Marie.

Ervin’s roots run deep in the Kingfisher county soil. His chosen vocation was farming and cattle ranching.

Ervin enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. His favorite activities were spending time with his family, hunting and fishing which his children recall was sometimes done together.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Ralph, Bill, Roger and Leroy; and two sisters, Betty Menz and Edna Wolf.

He is survived by his wife Julia, of the home; his son Donald Willms; daughter Anita Moll and husband Kevin.

Ervin had two granddaughters, Jaryn Bliss and husband Joe and Jordan Salcedo and husband Joel. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, Ruth Ann Hobbs and Velda Pralle, and many nephews, nieces and lifelong friends.

Funeral services were Saturday, June 6 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kingfisher with Rev. Tim McCarty officiating.

Interment followed at Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.

Memorials can be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 124 W. Douglas Ave, Kingfisher, OK 73750 and/or Meals on Wheels. Confirmation verse:

Confirmation verse: “Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2.

Praise be to our Lord and Savior for a life well lived in the service of His church.