Dr. Erwin Robert Lax

Dr. Erwin Robert Lax left this life on Aug. 1, 2013 to join the Lord. He was born on June 3, 1927, in Clarksville, Ark. to Harry and Libby Lax, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his best friend and brother, Martin Lax. He practiced as an optometrist in Hot Springs for over 50 years, and loved helping his patients see life more clearly. He was a devoted servant to his profession having served as president of the Arkansas Optometric Association. He was also named as the National Optometrist of the Year by the American Optometric Association for his long and distinguished career of service to the optometric profession. He also served on the board of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. for many years, including a term as chairman. In 2010, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Arkansas Optometric Association, and at the presentation, he was praised for his efforts in leading the Legal and Legislative Committee of the Arkansas Optometric Association in their successful effort to change the law in Arkansas to permit optometrists to prescribe and dispense medications for their patients. While he was extremely active in the service to his profession serving as President and a host of other positions for the Arkansas Optometric Association, throughout his life he was also active in many community organizations such as the Lions Club and Community Theatre, and was a founding member of Fifty for the Future of Hot Springs. He had a heart for serving local charities, including Hillcrest Children's Home where he provided free vision care for many years. He was also a proud member of Congregation House of Israel and his heritage. He also had a passion for serving children and for many years volunteered as a youth football and basketball coach to teams through the YMCA though he played neither sport in his life. Not many things gave him more joy than to have a young man that he had coached come up to him years later to greet him as "Coach Lax." He loved playing golf and cards and developed many wonderful friendships through the Hot Springs Country Club and the Elks Lodge. He had a very quick wit, never met a stranger and loved to banter with anyone whose path had the good fortune to cross his. He was blessed to have maintained his sharp mental faculties throughout his last moments on this earth and he experienced a very peaceful transition home after a lengthy and courageous battle with multiple afflictions. He is survived by his four children, Debbie Lax, Heather Lax, Ryan Lax; and his fiance, Tiffeny Stringer all of Hot Springs; and Mike Lax and daughter-in-law, Billie Lax of Little Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Aja, Amyah, Amber, Robert, Lauren, Ashley and Jared, and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Minthia Faith. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Kristi. Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Wetzler, George Haas, Gary Gibbs, Betty Murphy, Martin Eisele, Ed Ables, John Daniel, Mark Allen, Bookie Ebel, Elza Young, Jim Brumlee, John Bond, Barry Paxton, Jim Summers, RJ Horner and Bob Paulk. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team of caregivers at Brookfield Assisted Living Facility and the incredibly kind and compassionate Arkansas Hospice team that served him so well. Finally, the family would like to extend special thanks, appreciation and love to Penney Heard who served as his primary caregiver, friend, encourager, family counselor and friend for many years. Every family should be so blessed to have a Penney Heard in their lives. Visitation will be 12–1 p.m. Monday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, of Hot Springs with the Memorial Service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Arkansas Hospice in Hot Springs or Hillcrest Children's Home in Hot Springs. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.