John Hughes Erwin
May 8, 1965 ~ April 7, 2026
John Hughes Erwin, a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at the age of 60. He was born on May 8, 1965, in Morganfield, KY, to Rev. James Erwin and the late Ann Lewis Caldwell Erwin. John he spent his life surrounded by his cherished family and community.
John was a devoted member of The Presbyterian Church of Danville, where he not only grew in his faith but also formed lasting friendships. He was known for his huge heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Family was paramount to John, and he found joy in every moment spent with his children, Emma and Jack, participating in their activities, and cheering passionately for the Danville High School football team.
John is survived by his daughter, Emma Lewis Erwin; and his son, Jackson Hughes Erwin, his father, Rev. James “Jim” Erwin; his brothers, William “Bill” (Shannon) Erwin and James (Jo) Erwin; his sister, Lori Elizabeth (Rusty) Rose. He will be deeply missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, including Jessica Erwin, Benjamin Erwin, Will Erwin, Kathryn Erwin, Clay Erwin, Nicholas Erwin, Jenna Richardson, Lauren Erwin, Garrett Holland, and Addison Holland.
A celebration of John’s life will take place on April 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM at The Presbyterian Church of Danville, with visitation occurring the day prior, April 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. also at The Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Ann & Kenny Young and Dudley & Mary Spoonamore.
In honor of John’s love for life and community, his family invites all who knew him to join in remembering a man who could never say no to helping others or enjoying a refreshing Diet Coke. His spirit and warmth will live on in the hearts of all he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Burnamwood Camp c/o Presbytery of Transylvania, PO Box 23580, Lexington, Kentucky 40523, where he spent summers and made memories.
Services
Visitation: April 11, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Room: Fellowship Hall
The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422
www.presbydan.org
Celebration of Life: April 12, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Room: Sanctuary
The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422
www.presbydan.org
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in John Hughes Erwin 's name.
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John was one of the kindest and nicest men that I have ever met. Anytime that I needed help with officials in regards to the academic team he was always there. I have lots of good memories from tournaments before, during, and after his son was on the team. I know that he was very proud of both of his kids, and I am so sorry this happened. My condolences and prayers will continue for the whole family.
Working side by side with John was always so much fun! He meant the world to his students and his professional peers. He was dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of everyone he met -and he did.
What a beautiful soul. John made the world a better place for all of us, particularly our kids. He embodied kindness, humility, diligence, compassion and competence.
John was a terrific person. He spent several years singing with Centre Singers and was frequently asked to move among at least three vocal sections which he did willingly (many won’t!). His was a true heart and and his willing spirit and contagious smile won him life-long friends everywhere.
To Rev. Erwin and all of John’s family,
I am very sorry to hear of John’s death. At both HCHS and Centre, John was always a joyful and kind presence. I thought of him a few months ago when watching Guys and Dolls on TCM—Nicely Nicely Johnson will always be John Erwin to me. I will always think of the genuine tears he brought to the audience with his beautiful, moving, authentic performance of Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of John, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Keeping your family in my prayers.
I am forever grateful to have worked with John and for the time he spent showing me the ropes of academic team coaching, hosting, and his constant positive outlook and quiet sense of humor. I will miss his texts of well wishes for my own son during competition season. He also connected me with Soups On Us when my oldest was looking for a volunteer opportunity. He was just good. Praying for all of his loved ones, that they find comfort and peace. He is already missed so much.
I first knew John as younger brother of Jim, a Centre classmate, but gained a better connection when he arrived on campus. I knew John as an encourager and a kind-hearted soul even then. I have memories of a few conversations where he shared positive observations that elevated not just my mood but my spirit as well. I am happy to know that I will see him again in the place he now calls home.