Donald G. Ervin was born on February 17, 1909, in Wellston, Jackson County, Ohio, to Ora S. Ervin (1870-1939) and Electa M. (Phillips) Ervin (1877-1963) as the ninth of twelve children.

Donald G. Ervin enlisted on August 8, 1942 at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. Donald "Don" took some of his training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana before going to the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) with the 83rd Infantry Division, 331st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Hq Company.

After the War, he was one of Wellston's well-known and respected residents, he was manager of the Hardware Department of the E.E. Chambers Company for many years and was a retired employee of the Smith-Chambers Company.

He was a lifelong resident of the Oak Grove community, east of town Wellston, near Mulga on Mulga Road, having been born in the same home where lived until the time of his death.
Donald G. Ervin died on June 2, 1983, at age 74, at Chillicothe VA (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center, after two years failing health.

At the time of his dead, he was survived by one brother, Thomas A. Ervin of Wellston, two sisters, Mrs. Harry (Vivian) Martin, of Mt. Sterling, and Mrs. Stephen (Doris) Reed, of Lucasville. Six brothers are deceased. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.