You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
============================================================
This story is available online at: http://staging.pcusa.org/ga217/newsandphotos/ga06020.htm
GA06020
Commissioner from Texas dies of apparent heart attack Nelson L. Erwin died doing what he loved best — serving the church
by Shane Whisler
BIRMINGHAM, June 16 — Elder Commissioner Nelson L. Erwin of San Angelo, TX, died of an apparent heart attack in an elevator Thursday night on his way to the evening business meeting of the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.
Erwin, 73, was found unconscious in an elevator. Emergency medical technicians transported him to nearby Carraway Methodist Medical Center, where a doctor pronounced his death about an hour later, according to his pastor and general presbyter, who were present.
"Nelson died quickly doing what he loved most," said the Rev. Ron Sutto, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, San Angelo, TX, in Tres Rios Presbytery. Sutto said Nelson was thrilled to be a commissioner to the General Assembly for the second time in 25 years.
Sutto and General Missioner, the Rev. Jos* Luis Casal of Tres Rios Presbytery, had just arrived in Birmingham when they heard the news. They followed Erwin to the hospital, along with Casal's wife Cecilia and their other commissioner, the Rev. Cheryl Homsher.
Earlier that day, Erwin told fellow members of the Bills and Overtures Committee how happy he was doing church work. Committee assistant Jill Hudson said that Youth Advisory Delegate Anne Thielke quoted something Erwin had said on Thursday:
"I don't hunt and I don't fish. My service to the church is the closest thing I've ever had to a hobby. But if I were to die tomorrow, I would die happy, because I've had the opportunity to serve the Lord."
His committee spent time Friday mourning the loss and celebrating the man they had only begun to know. Those who already knew him well sent an email to church leaders after Erwin's family had been contacted.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to Nelson's family as well as First Church San Angelo," Casal said in the email. "And give thanks for the life and ministry of this good servant, Nelson Erwin."
Sutto said Erwin was an ultimate churchman who became a commissioned lay pastor following a career in management of large food companies.
"Nelson was one of those people who just lived love," Sutto said, adding that it was common for Erwin to help anyone at any time and use vacation time to serve the church.
Erwin is survived by his wife Mary, two children and three grandchildren, with one family in San Angelo, TX, and one family in San Antonio, TX. Sutto said the Erwins had recently attended the high school graduation of their oldest grandchild in San Antonio.
============================================================
You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to
mailto:PCUSANEWS-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org.
To update your email address, send your old email address and your new one to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
For questions or comments, send an email to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
To learn more, visit http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228