Doug Erman

Douglas “Doug” R. Erman, 90, of Delphos, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s. He was born November 18, 1933, in Defiance, OH, to Clinton E. and Margaret (Baldwin) Erman. They both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on November 27, 1965, to Donna Lee Peoples. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2019.  

Doug is survived by children, Daniel (Deb) Wolf, David (LuAnn) Wolf, Todd Erman, Kirk (Kelly) Erman, Kirsten (Ward Hoffman) Erman, and Clay (Karla) Erman; and sisters, Janie (Dr. L. Charles) Kellermyer and Mary (Ray) Pollard; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.  

Doug was preceded in death by sons, Scott and David Erman; and a grandson, Ryan.  

Doug was a graduate of Defiance High School, Class of 1951. He then went on to graduate from Defiance College in 1955. Doug was a 50 year member of Delphos Masonic Lodge and Trinity United Methodist Church.  He served on many church committees, taught Sunday school, and still sang in the choir. He especially enjoyed traveling to Lakeside, OH to serve as a layperson at the Annual Conference.

Doug was a very social person and active in many groups.  He had a gift for sharing stories and memories from his experiences related to work, people, family and childhood. He could walk into any room and find a friend or make one.  

He and Donna were band parents even after their children were not in the band.  He greatly enjoyed making popcorn at all the home football games for 20 years.  

Doug inherited the tradition of riding his high wheel bicycle in the Defiance Halloween parade after his father ‘Doc’ retired in 1991.  He loved carrying this forward for 31 years and waving at friends along the way.  He enjoyed other high wheeler parades in Ohio and Kentucky as a member of the Wheelman.  He and Donna would drive their RV and “camp” together as part of the adventure.  

He was also a member of the Midwest Coachmen and frequently served in some capacity for the group. He took his last trip this October.  

He and Donna vacationed yearly to Ft. Meyers Beach for over 20 years. Family and friends loved visiting them there and shared good times together, sitting on the porch or walking along the beach and enjoying a sunset.  

Being idle was not in his mindset.  He took great pride in never retiring from work and running his business until its recent sale.  He always needed something to do or people to visit to feed his soul. 

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and 1 hr prior to funeral service at Harter & Schier Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home.  Luncheon to immediately follow at Trinity United Methodist Church on Third Street in Delphos.  Burial will follow in McCauley Cemetery in Defiance, OH.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Delphos Trinity United Methodist Church and The Shriners.