William (Billy) Norman Erb passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, peacefully in his home at the age of 79, surrounded by members of his family. He was born Aug. 20, 1945, to Norman and Anita Erb.
Little did he know when he was born, he would become a member of a large family. His father was the eighth of twelve children and his mother was the oldest of three. He leaves behind many cousins as well as his sister, Nona McFarlane, and five children: Sean Erb, Nona (Shad) Smith, Angela (Kelly) Clyburn, Veronica Erb, and Clay Erb; as well as 11 grandchildren: Reid and Emily Clyburn, Kaitlyn Hert and Blake Brandenburg, Bret (Rhauni) Gormley, Kaylee, Blake and Reese Smith, and Jace Erb; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Juliana Smith.
His extended family reaches far, including niece Amber Morrow and nephew Matt McFarlane; great-nieces Mackenzie (Jake) Conners and Mattie McFarlane; great-nephews Patrick and Eddie Morrow; and great-great-nephew Parker Conners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anita and Norman Erb; his beloved mother- and father-in-law, Jack and Nancy Lund; his treasured little brother, Eddie Erb; and his brother-in-law, Pat McFarlane.
While growing up on the family farm in the Old River District, he inherited three brothers—Don, Joe, and Garnett Mello—as well as their sister, Betty. With the addition to the family, his dad had his hands full. These six kids were very creative, with Billy arguably being the most creative. He was known for tearing things apart but not putting them back together—mostly because he lost the parts.
Despite his short-term memory as a child, Billy would eventually be referred to as the “family encyclopedia,” as he could recall names, dates, and events. When in doubt—call Billy!
After graduating from Churchill County High School in 1964, he went to work for several electric companies. He later joined the Operating Engineers, working for many construction companies around the state throughout his approximate 40-year career.
In his younger years, he loved to race cars, hunt, fish, and camp. Later in life, he loved frequenting Ione, Nevada, where he spent a lot of time as a little boy with his grandparents, Billy and Julia Cislini. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the VFW, Overland, and the American Legion.
Out of all his family members, Billy was the one who loved carrying on family traditions—making “red meat” at Christmas being one. It was at least a three-week process, which he was happy to lead. Billy would have over 20 family members gather for a potluck and begin the long process. In the past few years, he had the opportunity to pass this tradition along to the younger generation of his family, something he was proud to do.
The family would like to thank everyone who has called and shared stories, extending their love, thoughts, prayers, and support. It means so much to all of us in this difficult time.
Billy will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Per his wishes, there will be no public services. The family will have a private gathering at a later time
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