L. J. Ehrlich

Laubhan J. Ehrlich (L.J.) went to heaven on May 21, 2025.  L.J. was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1935, to Asaph and Tillie (Laubhan) Ehrlich.  He was one of seven children: Gene Ehrlich, Jo Gillespie, Bernice Anderson, Joyce Ehrlich, Maurice Ehrlich, and Tracy Ehrlich.  The world lost a friend to all and is a better place for having had him in it.

Early in life L.J. developed a love for music, and at age five, played the piano; one of the many musical instruments he used to glorify God throughout his entire life.  L.J. grew up in Follett, Texas and had lots of stories of his childhood adventures that only got better with time. He was a good athlete, but was remembered most for his extraordinary musical talent, playing almost any instrument by ear. 

After graduating from Follett High School in 1953, L.J. accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a tent revival on Main Street in Follett.  It was there he surrendered his life to the ministry.  That same year, in August 1953, L.J. lost his devoted father, Asaph Ehrlich, to cancer.  One year later, in August 1954, he married his high school sweetheart Kay Nellon Roach.

L.J. had a deep love for the Lord and wanted to share Jesus with everyone. During his lifetime, he built and helped direct a Church Youth Camp in Mississippi, pastored several churches, turned an old filling station into a Youth Center in Follett, Texas, helped build and sponsor an orphanage in Africa and was instrumental in creating a successful on-line Bible College that has educated well over 10,000 students around the globe.  

L.J. always had a special place in his heart for the elderly.  He would regularly take his young family to visit nursing homes, ministering and playing the piano as his three daughters sang songs he wrote about Jesus.  His nursing home ministry continued throughout his life.  L.J. shared the love of music with his beloved wife Ida; together they would minister with words of encouragement and songs of praise with the elderly that had often been forgotten or left behind.  L.J. loved to play the accordion while wearing funny costumes and singing silly songs to make people laugh.  His younger brother Tracy was privileged to help him in his rest home ministry while in Oklahoma.  At age 82, L.J. moved to Denver, Colorado where he continued his ministry with the elderly.  He lived his final years often in pain, but always encouraging and praying daily with those God brought into his life.  L.J. was loved by all those that knew him and fondly known in his community as the “Piano Man”.  He could play any song requested and loved to share Jesus by playing favorite hymns for everyone to sing along.  At almost 90, L.J. had slowed; however, his love for Jesus and for the Great Commission never faded.

L.J. is survived by his younger brother Tracy Ehrlich and his precious wife, Ida Ehrlich; his number one fan and cheerleader.  He is also survived by his Three Daughters: the eldest, Kanell Zoe Mings and spouse Dean Mings, his middle daughter, Dr. Natalie Jo Ehrlich, and the youngest, T.Lynn Yvette Hart and spouse Tom Hart.  Five Grandchildren; Jonathan Laubhan Barnett and spouse Vanessa, Emily Deanell Trevino and spouse Tobias, Tassidy Lynn Rahill and spouse Jase, Andrew Kinley Mings and spouse Natalie and Cortney Jonell Hart. Twelve Great Grandchildren; Jonathan’s children; Jianna, Jonathan II, Justice, Janessa, Jazelle and Jayden; Emily’s daughters Zoey and Olivia; Tassidy’s children Reece and Remi; and Andrew’s daughters, Alyssa and Emma.

L.J. will be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father. He valued his time with family and his love for them was only second to his love for God.  L.J. was a trail blazer and an innovative thinker with determination to be a blessing to others.  L.J. greeted everyone with a friendly smile and shared his corny sense of humor, often making his friends and care givers smile or laugh out loud.  Above all, L.J. will be remembered as one who strived to make the lives of others better as he shared his love for Jesus by encouraging and praying with those privileged to pass through his life.