Nov. 18, 1923 – July 11, 2012

SHREVEPORT, La. — A memorial service celebrating the life of Erwin W. Saye, 88, of Shreveport, La., who died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, surrounded by his loving family and friends, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Gateway Church in Shreveport with the Rev. Richard Exley and the Rev. David Daniel officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rose-Neth Marshall Street Funeral Home in Shreveport.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Saye was born Nov. 18, 1923, in Southport, Fla., the son of Erwin W. Saye Sr. and Bonnie Youngblood Saye.

He graduated with honors from Bay County High School in 1943, while working nights as an apprentice pipe fitter for Wainwright Shipyards. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Aviation Cadet Program in 1943, and was stationed at Centenary College from May to November 1943. It was at this time in Shreveport that he met the love of his life and future wife, Nan Dobson Saye.

Erwin went on to be commissioned as second lieutenant as a radar observer, navigator and gunner on the P-61 Black Widow Night Fighter. After the end of World War II, Erwin returned to Shreveport where he and Nan were married in 1946.

Erwin received a bachelor of science degree in geology from Centenary College in 1948, and went to work for Trowbridge Sample Service and then for Plymouth Oil Company which was owned by The Great Wildcatter, Mike Benedum. From there, Erwin began his 57-year career in the oil and gas business as a petroleum geologist. In 1955, rather than accepting a transfer to New Orleans, Erwin went out on his own and became an independent consulting geologist. There were very few independent geologists in Shreveport at that time and Erwin received more than enough work to support his family. As an independent petroleum geologist, he is credited with discovering a number of oil and gas fields in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Wyoming. Erwin continued to participate in drilling ventures up until his death, always wanting to find “just one more oil field.”

When Erwin wasn’t out on a well somewhere, he enjoyed an active life of golfing, fishing and sailing, as well as, traveling with Nan on long trips by automobile or in their motor home, ranging from Marco Island, Fla., to Vancouver, Canada.

Erwin took great pride and enjoyment from the times he spent with his grandchildren, teaching them the intricacies of sailing, fishing, playing dominos and Hearts. He always made time for this grandchildren, and always helped and encouraged them well up unto their adult lives.

From an early age, Erwin maintained a profound belief in God and spent most his life witnessing to others the power of the Holy Spirit. He truly lived his faith in all aspects of his life, be it business or personal. Erwin was an example and mentor to most of his friends and neighbors. The outpouring of love from a number of his friends has truly been a blessing to his family at this difficult time. The family wishes to especially thank Art and Louise Smallwood, Karen Brogan and the Rev. David Daniel.

Erwin was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and was an honorary member of the Shreveport Geological Society. He was a former member of East Ridge Country Club, Shreveport Country Club, Shreveport Yacht Club and Shreveport Petroleum Club. Erwin was also past president of the Advisory Board of the Volunteers of America. A former member of Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, he was currently a member of Gateway Church.

Erwin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years; two brothers, Stuart D. Saye and Carl A. Saye; and one sister, Blanche Scott.

Survivors include one son, John Erwin Saye and wife, Sheree; four grandchildren, Jeremy Saye and Ruth Paul, Kyle Saye and fiancée, Rebecca Pistorius, Matthew Saye and Allison Cerveny and Benjamin Saye and fiancée, Rita Moussaoui; two great-grandchildren, Lila Saye and Seth Thomas Saye; two brothers, Merritt Saye and Arthur Canfield; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Honoring Erwin, as pallbearers will be Jeremy Saye, Kyle Saye, Matthew Saye, Benjamin Saye, Art Smallwood, Jim Guy Gibson and Pete Steinman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Gingerbread House, Shreveport, La., or the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Ruston, La.