Obituary of Ervin Lee Postier

WWII Veteran Ervin Lee Postier

October 8,1926 - March 10, 2024

Ervin was born to Clarence John Postier and Sena (Johnson) Postier 4 miles South and ½ mile East of the Garber Y in the family home near the Garber Oilfield. He was the second of eight children. Ervin was pre-deceased by his parents; siblings: CJ Postier (Mary), Cecil Postier (Myrtle Ann), Ray Dean “Dick” Postier (Joyce), John Postier (Margie), Fred Postier; granddaughter; Lisa Purdue; sons-in-law; David Conley, Tom Wing.

Survivors are his wife of 67 plus years, Patricia Ann “Patsy” Castens Postier; children Vicki Wing (Danette and Ana`); Linda Conley (granddaughter Veronica, Nathan, great-granddaughter Victoria), Shari Postier; Paul Postier (wife Robin, grandson Rustin (Lexi Womack) great-granddaughter arriving March 25th); Sisters: Ruth Schultz Jackson (Bill); Clara Marie Postier Hasselwander (Ray); Sister-in-law: Faith Ann Postier; and three generations of nieces and nephews.

Ervin left the family farm near Centralia to enter the U.S. Army on January 19, 1945, and served in the Pacific Rim.

Ervin oversaw “prisoners”. “The prisoners were given a machete to mow a path through the jungle. We understood each other through our eyes. We understood kindness. They were happy to have a roof over their heads and a cot to sleep on. We were not a threat to each other.”

A friend asked Ervin what he thought about going to school since there was no work around. Ervin enrolled in Miami (now Miami Junior College). “I hadn’t thought about it, but I really wanted to go to school, so my friend really helped me out with that decision.” From Miami, he attended Oklahoma A&M (now OSU), Northeastern Oklahoma State University, and Tulsa University receiving a BS in Education and a MS in Counseling with enough actual hours to have a Doctorate.

Ervin graduated from Oklahoma A&M in December and started teaching at Sapulpa High School, Math and Science for 4 ½ years. In 1955, Ervin bought a ’55 Chevy and joined Tulsa Public Schools to teach 9th grade at Bell Junior High School. TPS was opening a new school on 41st and Ervin wanted to teach High School Math, so he put in an application. That move lasted 30 years in the same building with the last years serving as a Guidance Counselor.

Ervin roughnecked for 5-6 summers to supplement his income. He would work on the floor and the morning tower, 11:00pm – 7:00am. Blister bugs were thick. A lot of hard work with less than $2 an hour, over 40 hours was time and a half. Working 56 hours helped with the $1100 pay for teaching.

Ervin met Patsy at Gracians, a young adult group at Grace Lutheran. Ervin asked Patsy to a TU football game and upon learning that they both enjoyed sporting events, that first date led to many more! They were married at Grace Lutheran Church with the late Pastor Clarence Knippa officiating. Ervin and Patsy hosted extended family in their home for Thanksgiving for over 50 years, with over 60 people in attendance in their home!

Ervin, Dad, Grandpa, GpGp passed March 10th peacefully at home, at the age of 97, (although he would then follow that up by stating he is going on 98). All the things he has lived through,

witnessed, experienced in a full century are jaw dropping. He was extremely engaged in the lives of his family by never missing an Elliot game, an Edison game, summer league games, Union Redhawk football games on TV or via the radio. He got to experience one of Victoria's golf tournaments last season, as well as attending many of Rustin and Victoria’s school functions and awards ceremonies. He was the grandpa that would pull you into a tight hug, tell you how proud he was of you, and loved his grandchildren and great granddaughter abundantly. Sunday dinners after church, birthday gatherings, cards for Christmas and Birthdays with a special treat inside; he always made family feel special. Gp always made sure Gma had Rice Krispie treats or Angel food cake for his grands’ dessert! Gp was great at throwing his hand behind Gma’s back at church like he was going to hug her, only to sneak his grands, great-grand, or the twins Smarties!

He was a WWII veteran and was extremely proud. A good ole farm boy growing up, he had to grow up fast, when he was drafted. He was a lifelong educator, teaching every level of math, including Algebra I & II, Trig, Calculus, and his favorite, Plane Geometry. Gp spent a lot of time teaching his own children and grands their first words which was Hypotenuse. It did indeed stick with a couple! He was an avid runner, competing in countless Tulsa races around town and five marathons. He continued to ride the stationary bike as well as lift hand weights up to the week before he passed. He was an excellent wood worker and started a tradition of making Santa Claus from the hands of his grands and great-grand every year. If you could dream it, he would build it and Gma would paint it. He was a fighter, the Patriarch of the family, he was our legend. Let's face it, there are heroes and then there are legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. We love you GPGP!! Now give those we love who have gone before us, a big ole hug up there in heaven!!

Below is information about his celebration of life:

Ervin, Dad, Grandpa, GpGp passed very peacefully last evening after 97 plus years. He lived a wonderful life and had a strong Faith. He can now see all the beautiful colors that surround us as well as his beautiful grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Family meant more to him than anything.

Visitation will be at Ninde Funeral Home 3841 South Peoria Avenue, Wednesday, 10:00am - 8:00pm with Family and Friends present 5:00-7:00pm

Funeral will be Thursday at 10:00am Grace Lutheran Church, 2331 East 5th Place (5th Place and Lewis)

Committal at Memorial Park Cemetery

Our Gp, GPGP can now see! Please wear your favorite color!

We would like to especially thank our wonderful Team who provided love and care for Ervin and support for our family: Dr. Thomas Madaj, VA Aides; Safe Home Care and Seasons Hospice!

Memorials:

Seasons Hospice www.seasonshospice.com

The Lutheran Hour Ministries

Charity of your Choice

Ninde Brookside | 918-742-5556 | www.ninde.com