Richard Earl Ervin

 Richard Ervin was born on October 16, 1949, to Mrs. Sammie Lousie and Mr. William Ervin in Pine Bluff Arkansas, who both proceeded him in death.

Richard came to Chicago with his mother at an early age. He then joined the army on September 6, 1969. He served for three years and gained an honorable charge on November 27th, 1972. Richard received 5 wonderful medals for National defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct and an Army Commendation. Richard was determined to continue to serve. Richard then became a train conductor for the Chicago C.T.A in 1973. Mr. Ervin continued to strive for success and decided to join the Chicago Fire Department on July 16th, 1977.

Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to Ollie Mae Ervin on August 4th, 1979, who also proceeded him in death. On October 9th, 1984. The Chicago Fire Department Unit Performance Award was present to Firefighter Richard Ervin. The Award was for demonstrating professional skills and concerted team effort while in the performance of his duty. Firefighter Ervin then retired on August 3rd, 2009.

His will and determination didn’t stop there, he knew he had a higher calling. With a little guidance from his wife, Richard then visited Mount Olive Baptist Church in February 1991. Richard Ervin accepted the Lord as his personal savior under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J Bayford Goodwin I. On April 20th, 1991, Richard received a Certificate of Achievement Sectorial Training Award to become Deacon Richard Ervin from 1991-1993.

Deacon Richard Ervin made his call to the ministry on March 31st, 1994. Minister Richard Ervin was certified of license who has given evidence that God has called him into the gospel ministry. On achieving more success. Minister Richard Ervin went back to school and received his high school diploma on September 14th, 1996. Minister Richard Ervin has been recognized for so many awards and certificates.

On January 1st, 1998, Chaplain Ann Altergot congratulated Rev. Richard Ervin for his contribution to the “Salvation Seminar” where everyone at Cook County Jail Div #4 Thanked him. In 1998 Rev. Ervin joined Evening Star M.B Church, under the leadership of Bishop Vesta Dixon Sr.

Rev. Ervin worked diligently in the Christian Education Department including Sunday School, Discipleship Courses, Vacation Bible School and Community Outreach Program. On September 30th, 2018, his hard work and dedication to his ministry of 20+ years was appointed as Assistant Pastor. In 2019 Pastor Ervin became ill, but his dedication as a true gifted man of God never stopped him. He continued to work as much as he could until his illness took a toll.

Pastor Ervin enjoyed traveling with his daughter Charity, they took many trips and had many breakfast, lunch and dinner dates. His daughter and Pastor Ervin had a bond that could not be broken, when you seen Pastor Ervin, you seen his daughter Charity.

God Blessed Pastor Ervin to make a peaceful transition on March 26th ,2025.

Pastor Ervin leaves to cherish memories of his brother Kevin Peterson of Villa Rica GA, his sister Phyllis Allen of Chicago, IL, his daughter Charity Drake of Chicago, IL, Melissa (Kellz) Clay of Atlanta, GA, his sons Richard Thornton of Chicago, IL, and Jermaine Terell Ervin who proceeded him in death, 17 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren , and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only be gotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

                                                                                John 3:16

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