Elery Lee Ervin, Jr. St. George, UT - Elery Lee Ervin, Jr., 92, died Saturday, August 28, 2010 in his home in St. George, Utah. He was born June 8, 1918 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Elery Lee Ervin, Sr. and Tessie (McKee) Ervin. He married Alice Shoemaker on November 9, 1939 in Kimble, Nebraska. They had seven children. They were later sealed in the Bern, Switzerland Temple on June 1, 1956. Alice preceded him in death in 1992. He later met Rita Parks when they were both serving in the Dallas Texas Temple and they married on December 15, 1993. They were sealed July 26, 1996, in the St. George Temple. Rita brought nine children to the marriage. She preceded him in death in 2003. Elery was a member of the LDS Church, and most recently attended the St. George 4th Ward. He served temple missions in Dallas and St. George, as well as a member locator missionary. He also served in the bishopric, and as a ward mission leader in Oklahoma. As a youth, he attended school in Choctaw, Oklahoma and joined the US Army in 1941 as an aircraft mechanic. He completed OCS school in 1945 and obtained the rank of 2nd Lt. He then served with the 16th Infantry 1st Infantry Division being responsible for the administration, training, discipline and general welfare of troops. He instructed troops in duties of occupation troops including small arms, security, and general policies of the occupation forces. He also served as a mess and supply officer. He left the Army in 1946 and reenlisted with the US Air Force and retired in 1961 at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada.. He was an aircraft maintenance tech and airplane mechanic. Then, he worked at Tinker AFB in Civil Service retiring in August 1978. He served his country in England, Scotland, France, Germany and Korea. He was an active member of the VFW. Elery is survived by three sons: Elery L. III of McCloud, OK; Rodney D.(Deborah) of Littleton, CO; Gary D. (Julie) of Waynesville, MO; three daughters: Patsy A. (Thomas) Hare of Milan, MI; Denise A. (Danny) Allen of Perry, OK; Pam A.(Gary) Hall of Casper, WY; step-children: Connie Copeland Henderson, Roger Copeland, Marlena Copeland Stevens, Steve ( Kathy) Copeland, Mickey (Donna) Copeland, Mark Copeland, Lea Ann (Greg) Roberts, Bobbi Mack, Robert (Jennifer) Mack; Forty-seven grandchildren; fifty-four great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Alice of 53 years and second wife, Rita of 9 years, parents, Elery L. Sr. and Tessie Ervin; one brother, Charles Ervin; one son, Michael D. Ervin; grandson, Shane Ervin, step-grandson, Jared Henderson and step-great-granddaughter, Kalie Sierra Watkins. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the LDS Mission Fund or the Temple Fund.