Erv passed away Thursday, July 23, from pneumonia and pulmonary emboli. He was born Aug. 6, 1937, to Earl and Irene (Keisecker) Bott in Barlett, Ore. He graduated from Pomeroy, then went on to study at Mohler Barber School. After graduation, he barbered in Warden and Tekoa. He then opened a barber shop in Pomeroy, where he barbered from 1960 to 1989, when he relocated and opened the Clarkston Barber Shop. After 56 years of barbering, Erv was diagnosed with cortical basal ganglionic degeneration disease, which forced him to retire.

In 1957, Erv married Muriel Dixon; together they had four children. They later divorced and he married Shirley VanDusen. He instantly became dad to three additional children.

Erv loved dancing with his wife, Shirley, and taking road trips together. He also loved the great outdoors, the annual hunting trips with his sons and raising his horses and mules. He learned to play the fiddle and was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers. As a barber, Erv knew no stranger, he had many friends and was a great historian. He could always tell you who was related to who and had limitless stories and jokes.

Erv was preceded in death by his father, Earl; his brother, Elvin; and a granddaughter, LaCretia.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his mother, Irene; seven children, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Jim and Krystye Bott, Alicia (son Landon), Ashton and Alex Arellano (children Aaidan, Aavary and Aandersan, due in September); Kenny and Cathy Bott, Riley, Ally and Brady; Eileen and Andy Sheppard, Zacchary and Annika (son Noah), Noah and Evie; Maria and Dan Helterline, Alexis and Taylor; Pam and Bob Kaschmitter, Chelsey and LadyByrd, Jenna and Sherrod (children Katara, Andre and Aniyah), two bonus grandsons, Meheret Feleke and Mamadou Mbodji; Rick and Mary VanDusen, Nick; Shelli Nicol, Holly (children Shelby and Tyler); brother Larry and Judy Bott; sister Elaine and Rex Brinkman.

We will never forget all the beautiful memories he left us. Even though he's gone, he did not go alone. A part of each of us went with him the day God called him home.

Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home.