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Erwin "Erv" William Schawacker, Jr., 89, of Indio, California, passed away on May 31, 2023. He was the devoted husband of the late Joan Hadden. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Erwin and Gertrude (Doswald) Schawacker and the beloved brother of Marlene Phillips (Donald). After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from University of Illinois, Erv served in the 33rd Army Band in Mannheim, Germany. After his return, he earned a Master's of Education degree from Wichita State University. While in Wichita, he met and married Virginia Beth Allen. The couple moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania so that Erv could pursue his doctorate in English from University of Pennsylvania and to join the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is in West Chester. Erv spent 37 years teaching English at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. His favorite course to teach was a graduate study in the Humanities, where he was able to share his love of the arts with Philadelphia area teachers who were pursuing further education. He carried a book wherever he went, never losing an opportunity to read for a few minutes. Erv was a gifted musician; he played flute, saxophone, clarinet, piano and even violin. He was a popular private music teacher in both Chester County, PA and the Coachella Valley, CA. Nothing made him happier than to see "his kids" develop their musical skills and appreciation. He founded a successful wedding band, The Erv Shaw Ensemble, which became the "house wedding band" for the DuPont Hotel in Wilmington, Delaware. He also played in the Lukens Steel Band and the Desert Winds Freedom Band. Erv will be missed by his many students, his children, Katherine Walker of Merrimack, NH, Peter Schawacker (Laura Maria) of Oaxaca, Mexico, daughter-in-law Laura Hunt Little (Greg) of La Quinta, CA, stepsons David Hadden of Durham, NC and Curt Sheller of Pottsgrove, PA, as well as grandchildren Kurt Schawacker (Crystal), Adam Schawacker, Robert Estes, Mason Estes and Maya Kavanaugh. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Erv's memory may be made to the Desert Winds Freedom Ensemble student scholarship fund, P.O. Box 4732, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or www.desertwindsfb.org

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Erwin William Schawacker, Jr.

May 25, 1934 - May 31, 2023