POPULAR MASS COMM CHAIR DIES  

Many Lambda Chi members benefited from the leadership of R. Ferrell Ervin, professor and chairman of the Communications Department at Southeast Missouri State University since 1987.  Ervin died on Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital, at the age of 57.   

Ferrell Ervin was born Oct. 29, 1946, at Booneville, Ark., son of Granville F. and Frances F. Bullion Ervin.  He and Glenna S. Skelton were married Aug. 5, 1972, at Russellville, Ark.  He received bachelor's degrees in advertising and public relations from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1968.  He received a bachelor's degree in journalism and history at the University of Arkansas in 1970.  Ervin earned a master's in mass communication from Oklahoma State University in 1973 and a doctorate in journalism from Southern Illinois University in 1981.  His memberships included the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the American Advertising Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.  He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education from 1995 to 2001.  He was president of the board from 1997 to 2001.  Ervin was a member of West End Church of Christ.  Survivors include his wife; a son, R. Blake Ervin of Scott City; and a daughter, Meghan B. Ervin of Cape Girardeau.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and the R. Ferrell Ervin Scholarship Fund.