Arthur Erickson

Arthur D. Erickson (Dan)

Arthur D. Erickson (Dan), born December 11, 1927 in Chicago, IL.

Predeceased by parents, Arthur and Esther Erickson; sister, Arlene S. Marvin; and wife, Marcella Durr Erickson and daughter, Kelly E. Gannon Lackey.

Survived by son, Michael D. Erickson (Debbie); daughter, Courtney E. Yates (Charlie); grandchildren, Ashley Gannon, Josh Yates, Joseph Yates (Emily), Daniel Erickson, Jennifer Erickson, Caleb Yates, Jordan Yates; great-grandchildren, Braydan Adams and Rylee Cremeans.

Dan joined Marcella in their heavenly home June 27, 2013. He enjoyed life up to the last minute God called him to his eternal home. He was looking forward to seeing Marcella and many special friends again.

Dan was a lover of life itself. His relationship with people was evident on a daily basis by the love shown to him by many. The peace he exuded due to his strong Christian faith was felt by everyone he came in contact with. He worshiped at all 3 local Episcopal churches since 1971.

He served our country in WWII (US Navy 1944-47) on the USS Quick, a minesweeper in the Pacific Ocean. He graduated from Millikin University where he met and married Marcella Durr. He was a proud SAE Fraternity member. He worked for Alton Packaging (Alton Box Board/Jefferson Smurfitt) for 42 years as a designer and sales representative. His clients became some of his life long best friends. In his retirement, he was a skilled member of the Tennessee Wood Turners and Stones River Woodworking Club. He loved wood carving and turning. His family will enjoy the pieces of art he created for many years to come. His weekly golf game was a time of fellowship and fun. Dan enjoyed many wonderful trips, including several BRAA adventures with MTSU Athletics. Dan and Marcella and the family spent several wonderful days on the lake with their pontoon boat and lake house.

Dan was blessed to be a part of the group that formed the first Girl's Softball League in Rutherford County due to his desire to create an opportunity for Girl's to compete in a sport. He also was part of a small group of soccer enthusiasts that started the Murfreesboro Soccer Club. Both of these leagues are still going strong after 44 and 35 years, respectively.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Erickson to www.foundationsoberliving.com or www.specialkidstn.com.

Celebration of Life Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in historical downtown Murfreesboro. Visitation with the family following service.

Woodfin Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements, (615) 893-5151; woodfinchapel.com.