Former Pioneer Park Supervisor Paul Erb passes away
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Hadley Funeral Home

Aug. 26, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — Paul Erb, the longtime Pioneer Park Supervisor, passed away early Monday (Aug. 25) morning at his home in Marietta. Erb, who is survived by his wife Betty and daughters Sue Joy, Jo Heldman and Norma French, was 80.

Erb maintained Pioneer Park, now Don Schaly Stadium, from 1982 until his retirement after the 1999 season. During his tenure, he took great pride in making Pioneer Park one of the nation’s finest baseball facilities. Erb displayed his love of Marietta baseball to the thousands of players and spectators that entered the facility through his work at Pioneer Park each spring.

Erb played a key role in the success of the NCAA Division III World Series, which took place at Pioneer Park from 1976-87. He was also an integral part of the Pioneer Park Project, which included the construction of the Kent Tekulve Media Building in 1988 and the installation of a state-of-the art lighting system in 1994. In 1995, Erb was honored for his outstanding service and contributions to Marietta athletics when he received the Distinguished Service Award at the annual Hall of Fame banquet. Even after his retirement, Erb and his wife remained a staple figure in the third base bleachers, cheering on the Etta Express.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hadley Funeral Home, 500 Fifth St., Marietta Chapel, with Pastor Tom Hendershot officiating. Burial with full graveside military rites will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Home Nursing, 210 N. Seventh St., Marietta, Ohio 45750.

Online condolences may be made to hadleyfuneralhomes.com.