Carroll Gene Erwin

Carroll Gene Erwin, 88, of Buda, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on January 31, 1938, near Charlotte, Texas, Carroll was the son of Lela Mae Farris Erwin and Clarence Clifton Erwin, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Kathleen Erwin; his children, Grant Erwin (Julia) of Austin, Scott Erwin (Mary Ellen) of Buda, and Kara E. Brodman (Cole) of Seattle; and his cherished grandchildren: Shelby Lind Brodman, Jackson Noel Brodman (Isabel), Kaler Elizabeth Erwin Shultz (Josh), Carson Grant Erwin Jr., Hannah Claire Erwin, Raleigh Hannon Erwin, Wesley James Erwin, Benjamin Daniel Erwin, Maren Fay Erwin, and Warner Scott Erwin Jr.

Carroll was raised on a farm and ranch near Davis Switch, just outside Charlotte, where his family worked the land raising cattle and crops. His mother, an elementary school teacher in Charlotte, instilled in him a lifelong respect for education and hard work. The family also owned a 1,000-acre ranch in Atascosa County.

A proud member of the Charlotte High School Class of 1955, Carroll graduated as valedictorian and distinguished himself as a gifted athlete. He was a starting quarterback and safety for the Trojans football team, played point guard in basketball, and competed in multiple track and field events.

He began his college education at Trinity University in San Antonio, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Lindemann. The couple married on September 7, 1959, at Monthalia United Methodist Church. Carroll later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, earning his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy on June 30, 1960.

On the day of his graduation, Carroll was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Transportation Corps and later promoted to First Lieutenant. He served on active duty at Fort Eustis and continued his service in the Army Reserve until 1968. During his time in the Army, he also played on the volleyball team.

In January 1967, Carroll purchased Fitzgerald Pharmacy in Gonzales, renaming it Erwin’s Pharmacy. Over the years, he owned and operated four pharmacies, ultimately selling his flagship store in 1993. In 1978, he became a licensed Texas Realtor and built a successful second career in real estate, focusing first on residential properties and later expanding into commercial investments, including storage facilities, convenience stores, and residential manufactured housing communities.

A man of deep faith and commitment to service, Carroll was actively involved in his church and community throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association and held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Gonzales Rotary Club, Vice President of the Gonzales District School Board, Director of the Gonzales Housing Authority, President of the Area Pharmaceutical Association, President of the Area University of Texas Ex-Student Association, and Vice President of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. He was also a charter supporter of the University of Texas Memorial Stadium expansion in 1969 and a life member of the University of Texas Ex-Student Association. Carroll enjoyed playing tennis almost weekly well into his late 70’s both in Gonzales and after moving to Austin.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Crystal Williams, his devoted longtime caregiver, and to the compassionate teams at Brookdale Home Health, The Gardens of Buda, Hospice Austin, and Christopher House for their exceptional care and kindness during his final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Final Arrangements are currently pending at this time.