Joe "Flipper" Erman, 76, of Austin, made his peaceful flight to Glory on March 26, 2018 in North Little Rock.  Joe was born December 20, 1941 in Oden, Arkansas to the late William F. and Mary Beatrice Herman Ermann, Sr.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary McMellon; brother, William Ermann, Jr.; and nephews, Jerry, Kevin, and Chris Ermann.  Joe graduated from Mena High School in 1961. He spent eight years in the Army National Guard, had a passion for truck driving, and retired from FedEx Freight after a long career. He spent time on the Planning Commission for Austin, and was a certified home inspector. Joe was a long-time member of Victory Baptist Church in Cabot. He was also an active fisherman and gardener, and enjoyed any time that he could spend in the great outdoors. Joe was a very loving husband, daddy, and papa.

Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years Vernie of Austin, Arkansas; daughter, Shauna & Donny of Hot Springs; sons, Joe Jr. & Patty of Mena, John of Austin, Arkansas, Josh & Sara of El Paso, Arkansas, David & Patti of Rogers, and Brian of Austin, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren Lane, Cheyenne, Joshua, Josh, Courtney, Brook, Adam, Adoria, David, Marie, & DJ; five great-granchildren; seven siblings,  Margie of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Agatha of Alma, Clara of Cedarville, Ed of Foreman, John of Fayetteville, Eileen of Van Buren, Tom of Cedarville; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that he loved dearly.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Joe, John, David, Brian, Josh, and Donny; and friend, Kevin Bates. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe's life. The family would like to thank Dr. Vanderburg, Dr. Conley, and Dr. Neuhauser as well as the many doctors and nurses at Baptist Springhill for their care and dedication.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Victory Baptist Church with Brother Ben Leonard officiating. Interment will be 4:30 p.m. at Egner Cemetery in Batesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.