Ervil Gilbert Chiles

Ervil Gilbert Chiles, 85, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 14, 2017.  He was born on August 5, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas.  On January 25, 1933, he was adopted by Vernie and Byrda Chiles.

Erv spent his early years in Kansas and the family moved to San Diego, California, in 1942.  He enjoyed growing up in San Diego and stayed active with track, choir, and baseball. As a young man, he developed a strong work ethic that would stay with him the rest of his life.  In grade school he collected stray golf balls from the golf course he lived near and sold them back to the golfers.  He sold magazines in junior high school, and he raised and sold parakeets while in high school.  After graduating from San Diego High School in 1950, he began work at Sears Roebuck Service Department and stayed employed with them for the next 32 years.

Ervil and his mother and father were long time members of First Baptist Church in San Diego, and that is where he spied his first true love, Gloria.  They were married on December 15, 1957, and began their life together in San Diego.  Gloria came from a large family in Emmett, Idaho, and Erv was an only child.  Erv embraced Gloria’s family as his own and it wasn’t long before they moved to Boise along with their three children.  They eventually found their forever home and child number four arrived thereafter.  They celebrated 26 years of marriage before Gloria passed away on August 25, 1983, and Ervil’s happy life dimmed.

After working at Sears, Ervil began working at Elks Rehabilitation Center in Boise.  It was at the Elks Center where he met his second love, Fran, and the sun shone brightly once again. They were married on September 27, 1986.  They enjoyed 25 years of marriage before Fran’s passing on October 29, 2011.

Erv kept active with gardening, reading, photography, cards, and his beloved dogs.  From five years old on, there always seemed to be a furry four-legged friend following him around. He also enjoyed traveling; hopping in the car, “pokin’ along,” and stopping to take pictures.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone and has made many a friend across the country.  Of course he was an avid fan of the Boise State Broncos football and basketball teams and rarely missed a game.

Ervil is survived by his four children – Martha (Rob), Mark (Brenda), Monty, and Matthew.  As well as 11 grandchildren:  Jesse (Kimme), David (Kelsey), Andrew (Xenia), Bailey, Kelli, Whitney (Andrew), Mackenzie, Abby, Tori, Cooper, and Ian; and one great granddaughter, Sutton.  Additionally he is survived by Fran’s children and grandchildren whom he loved as his own.  Erv was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, his wife, Fran, and his daughter-in-law, Kristi.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 21st, at 1:30 p.m. at Cloverdale Funeral Home, Boise, Idaho. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Senior Center (eagleseniorcenter.com).