of Harrison, AR

October 26, 1935 - June 27, 2024

John ''JD'' D. Erwin was born on October 26, 1935, and from that day forward he was known to all as J.D. JD died peacefully on June 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Harrison.

He was the youngest of twelve children born to Dona C. (Owens) and Jethro (Butch) Erwin but was raised solely by his mother with tremendous assistance from his siblings. Life was not easy for JD and his family when he was growing up. Lots of mouths to feed and little money. He embraced hard work at an early age. A quality that would be sustained his entire life. At sixteen, JD went to work for the Garrison family at the Pepsi Bottling Plant. After a few years the ultimate salesman took his talents to Sav-A-Stop (later known as Mass Merchandiser, Inc.). First as a route salesman and later appointed to Director of Sales. A position he held for decades. Eventually, JD would become President of MMI (later Mckesson Service Merchandise) until his retirement.

Driving the ribbons of highways throughout the Midwest. JD helped build MMI into the largest Service Merchandising company in the United States. Rising before the sun was up, he could not wait to go to work. His morning routine usually consisted of him singing, snapping his fingers and bursting into his kids' rooms with unbridled enthusiasm. Always positive, always in a hurry (why go to the door when you can honk?)

His life on the road, not to mention in the air, took him away from the things and people he loved most his family. The sacrifice he made so his wife and children had a great life.

JD would often regale his children with tales of his travels to exotic faraway lands such as Cuba and Paris. They later found out it was Cuba, Missouri and Paris, Texas, but not a shy man, JD was known to perform on stages across the USA and entertain the masses with his unique vocal stylings. He once joined the Fifth Dimension on a stage in Las Vegas and once won a yodeling contest in Switzerland.

After retiring JD enjoyed being a gentleman farmer, traveling with his wife, Judy, golfing with friends and hiking the Ozark Highland Trail. He was awarded The Governor's Volunteer Excellence Award and The President's Volunteer Service Award. He served on the boards of North Arkansas College, Hillcrest Nursing Home, North Arkansas Regional Hospital Board and many others. If you needed to raise money or get a project started you were wise to make your first phone call to JD Erwin.

He loved the people that he worked with at MMI, He loved his hometown, his state and his country, he loved his church, but above all he loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and all eleven of his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Judy; his daughter, Linda English of Harrison and his son, John and wife, Brooke of Goshen, Arkansas. Grandchildren, Jon Clayton English, Shawn English, Matthew Reid and one great-grandchild, Mackinnen Reid.



Graveside service was held on Monday, July 1, 2024, with Reverend David Williams officiating.

Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.


Memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Share and Care, 105 US-62, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 or Hospice of the Hills, 501 East Sherman Avenue, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com