Obituary of Stephen Erhard

MAYVILLE - Stephen J. Erhard, age 65, of Avon Park, Florida, formerly of Mayville, NY, died unexpectedly November 14, 2013 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, FL after a brief illness. Stephen was born in Westfield, NY on February 21, 1948 a son of the late Clifford and Alice (Badgley) Erhard. Steve served his country in the U.S Army from 1967-1969, with 3 tours in Vietnam. An accomplished musician, Steve was a member of the band, Free Country at the time of his death, where he played lead guitar and was the lead vocalist. Other bands he played with in the past include: The Country Impressions, Good Old Boys, Solid Gold, and numerous others. Steve greatly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially cooking for them. He was a kind and giving man. Even in death, he was able to provide sight for a complete stranger who has never had the ability to see by being an organ and tissue donor. He was a Life member of the V.F.W. Survivors include his wife, Bonny (Sunday) Erhard, his children, Kristine (Frank) Lucas of Tucson, AZ, Stephen (Melissa) Erhard of Rochester, NY, Kevin (JoAnn) Erhard of Fletcher, NC, Tiffanie (Daniel) Forster of Charlotte, NC, Belinda Carlson of Mayville, NY, Candy (Shellie) Anderson of Frewsburg, NY, and Sherry Carlson of Westfield, NY. Steve has 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his Siblings: Leslie (Nancy) Erhard of Mayville, NY, Bonita (Rodney) Burch of Avon Park, FL, Dana (Cindy) Erhard of Sherman, NY, Ronald (Catherine) Erhard of Panama, NY; and Melody Erhard of Sugar Grove, PA; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Mark Carlson and his grandson Kyle Erhard. Immediate Funeral Services will be private. Plans for a memorial service in New York are incomplete at this time. The MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield is assisting the family. Log on onto www.masonfuneral.com to send Stephen's family a message of sympathy.