Paul Vernon Erskine

     Paul Vernon Erskine of St. Louis, Michigan, was born on June 11, 1938, and died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 3, 2025.
     Paul joined the Navy in 1955 and served aboard the USS Ticonderoga. After his service to the United States, Paul came home to Michigan and met his life’s love, Donna. They married in 1962. Paul worked for over 25 years at Wolverine World Wide in Ithaca, Michigan. During his later years with Wolverine, Paul earned his construction license. He officially started Erskine Construction in 1987, though he had always worked side jobs throughout the years. Paul built many homes in mid-Michigan and completed countless construction jobs. After his retirement from construction, Paul went on to become the building inspector for the City of St. Louis, a position he held until summer 2024.
     Paul spent several years as an Elks Club member, where he served on the board and volunteered his time. As a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gratiot County, he guided and spent time with two young men in the community who had lost their fathers. More recently, Paul volunteered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1454 and served on the board of the Heroes Center in Alma, Michigan.
     Not only did Paul work hard, but he also played hard. And there is no stick long enough by which to measure his love for his family. Before Paul’s death, when asked about his favorite memories, he answered without hesitation, “time with family.” When his daughters were young, he was always ready for a bike ride, a trip out for ice cream, camping, a game of basketball or catch, or a day at the beach. He doted on his grandchildren and went out of his way to ensure he established strong bonds with them, often traveling with them, taking them to the movies, attending his granddaughter’s school events, and going to see his grandson sing and play guitar. Together with his wife Donna, they created a family, built homes, ran a business, hosted countless dinners and celebrations, traveled with family and friends, played cards, took in concerts, and went for long drives.
     Paul enjoyed nothing more than connecting with others, talking, and storytelling. An avid golfer, he relished playing the sport with friends and family. He loved sports, music, animals, travel, reading, and movies. Paul was a generous, loyal, and dependable man who could be counted on to help in any way he could. A close friend recently said of Paul, “He’d give you his last five dollars and last five minutes.”
     Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; daughters Stephanie (Doug) Teed and Sandra (Joe Knisley) Mitchell; granddaughter Megan Green and grandsons: Adrian (Morgan) Mitchell and Liam Knisley; brother Mark (Nancy) Massaro; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Irene Erskin and sister Caroline Simmons.
     Join family and friends for a memorial service and luncheon to celebrate Paul’s life on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the VFW Post 1454 at 1302 Wright Ave, Alma, Michigan. 
     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VFW Post 1454 or the T.A. Memorial Cutler Library in St. Louis, Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.