David Erdman

On May 22, 1942, Guy and Josephine Erdman welcomed a son named David Leroy Erdman into the world. For the next 11 years Dave, sister Rachel, and brothers Louie and Lenny would enjoy growing up on a farm in Shamokin Pa.

At age 11, after the passing of their dad, the 3 boys were sent to the Milton Hershey School to be raised and educated. While there Dave learned valuable life lessons and played football, basketball, and baseball. In 1959 he graduated from Milton Hershey School and enrolled at Lock Haven University where he played football and earned a degree in Health and PE. Also while there, he met the love of his life, a pretty little brunette from Media, Pa named Anita Schatmeyer. They were married in August 1963, and after spending their honeymoon at the Big 33 football game, they began their lifelong journey together as brand new PE teachers at Lower Dauphin High School. Dave taught and coached football at LD for 36 years before retiring in 1999. The next 22 years of retirement he enjoyed being a full-time farmer. Raising beef cattle and working on his farms with his boys and grandsons made him happy.

He enjoyed attending all of his grandson’s activities, from sports to 4H to Youth Rodeos. Dave always believed in giving back to his community. He was a founding member of the Grantville Fire Company where he also served as president. He served on the East Hanover Zoning Hearing Board and was a School Board Director at Northern Lebanon School District for 12 years. He and his family were members of Shellsville Lutheran Church. In 2011, Dave was inducted into the Lock Haven University Athletic Hall of Fame along with the rest of his 1960 Championship Football Team. As a teacher and coach, Erdy was a Falcon legend who touched thousands of lives. In his community, Pap was known as a genuine, good hearted person who always shot straight from the hip. In our family, Dad/Pappy was a hero to us all, someone we will always strive to emulate.

On May 3, 2021, while surrounded by family in his home, our Lord Jesus Christ welcomed a son named David Leroy Erdman into heaven. Dave is survived by his pretty little brunette (with some gray) wife of 57 years Anita. Sons David R.W. and Nathan Guy Erdman (Tamee). Grandchildren Juddson Hawk Erdman (Mariah), Cree Raven Erdman, Kaden William Erdman, Kaelor David Erdman. Sister Rachel Fulkrod (Clair) and Brother Lenny Erdman (Doris).

Unfortunately, dad didn’t want a service. But cards with Erdy stories are welcome to be sent to the farm:

Anita Erdman

1902 Blacksbridge Road

Annville, PA 17003