Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1969

Larry Erwin LARRY BENSON ERWIN, 64, of Ranger, TX, went to his Heavenly home on Jan. 14, 2015. Larry was born on Sept. 13, 1950 in Portales, NM to Fred Norris and Wanda Lee (Sheets) Erwin. He married Wendy Sommers in Nov. of 1975 in Necessity, TX. Larry attended Ranger High School but was a 1969 graduate of Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, CA. Upon graduation, he served in the military in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army from 1970-1972. After his service, he returned to California where he worked as a machinist and learned skills that he took with him to Ranger, TX in 1974 where he worked with his father in the family business, F&W Industries. For over 20 years he crafted parts for major aerospace defense contractors. Larry loved his work and took great pride in it. Larry had a love of the outdoors and adventure, taking up surfing, skiing, cycling and when he wasn’t on land or water, he found adventure in the sky where he learned to fly making several solo flights. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Fred Erwin. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife of 39 years, Wendy Erwin of Ranger; daughters, Lauren Hernandez (RHS-1997) and husband Jason of Olden, TX and Amy Newcomer (RHS-2002) and husband William of Fort Worth, TX; his mother, Wanda Erwin of Ranger; a brother, Russell Erwin of Troncones, Mexico; a sister, Kelly Hill and husband David of Ranger; an aunt Pauline Scott of Flower Mound, TX; an uncle Harry Sheets and wife Myna of Farewell, TX; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other loved ones. He is also survived by the lights of his life, his three grandchildren: Bailey Hernandez, Hudson Hernandez, and William “Grant” Newcomer. FATHER: FRED ERWIN, 76, of Ranger, TX passed away on Dec. 9, 2005, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, TX. Mr. Erwin was born on Oct. 10, 1929 in Portales, NM, to Fred Benson & Fannie Isabel Norris Erwin. He married Wanda Sheets in Sept. of 1949, in Farwell, TX. They lived in several different areas before moving to Ranger in 1975 where he founded F & W Industries. For over 30 years his machine shop manufactured parts for major aerospace defense contractors. Fred loved his work and over the years he taught many young men and women the art of being a machinist. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Vanell Young. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda Erwin of Ranger; sons, Larry Erwin (RHS-1969) and wife Wendy of Ranger and Russell Erwin and wife Kristi of Costa Mesa, CA; a daughter, Kelly Hill and husband David of Ranger; four grandchildren, Laura Hernandez (RHS-1997) & husband Jason, Amy Erwin (RHS-2002), T.K. Erwin and Tyler Erwin; one great-grandchild, Bailey Hernandez & several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. MOTHER: WANDA SHEETS ERWIN passed away on April 30, 2022, with interment of ashes at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, TX. Wanda was born Aug. 27, 1931 in Clovis, NM to Eugene (Ted) & Virginia Sheets. She married Fred Erwin in Farwell, TX in Aug. of 1949. Wanda raised her three children in Santa Monica, CA. She loved sunbathing on the beach and loving and caring for her family and neighbors. She was “Mom of the Block” making countless sandwiches for her kids and their friends. She then made her life in Ranger, TX and worked alongside her husband. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Erwin; a son, Larry Erwin; and brother, Harry Sheets. Wanda leaves behind many beloved friends & family including her son, Russell Erwin of Troncones, Mexico; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and David Hill of Ranger; daughter-in-law, Wendy Erwin of Ranger; sister, Pauline Scott of Flower Mound, TX; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.