Photo courtesy of Honaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Slidell
Slidell, Louisiana
Sep 15, 1932 – Jan 18, 2023
COMMANDER JOHN R. ERICKSON, SR., U.S.C.G., Retired, age 90, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Beloved husband of 64 years to June Winthrop Erickson. Father of John R. Erickson, Jr., (Mary Ann), Jean Erickson Cefalu, (late Charles) and Mark R. Erickson, (Kim). Son of the late Raymond S. Erickson and Eleanor Richards Erickson. Brother of Raymond S. Erickson and Sonja E. Pritchard.
Also survived by his grandchildren; Sarah C. Herrington, Charles A. Cefalu, Jr., John N. Cefalu, Michael J. Cefalu, Gregory J. Cefalu, Jane K. Erickson, William F. Erickson, John M. Erickson, Kirsten A. Erickson and Luke C. Erickson, and his great-grandchildren; Liam E. Cefalu, Parker B. Herrington, Connor L. Herrington, Charlie A. Cefalu, III, Emma J. Herrington, Lena C. Cefalu, Mary J. Cefalu, Lucy H. Cefalu, Carson M. Cefalu, and James A. Cefalu.
A native of Key West Florida, John graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1957 and faithfully served his country for over 20 years, serving in Vietnam, at a LORAN station in the South Pacific, aboard the USCG Cutter Cherokee out of Norfolk, Virginia, and aboard other Coast Guard vessels along the East Coast of the US. He was a liaison officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and finally moved his family to Slidell, Louisiana, in 1972 where he ran the NOAA Data Buoy Office at what is now known as the Stennis Space Center. After his retirement from the USCG, he worked the remainder of his career at ODECO in New Orleans, working in International Operations to support ODECO’s fleet of offshore drilling rigs. Still an avid sailor, he spent many years working with the Sea Explorer Post in Slidell to teach sailing, navigation and seamanship to a new generation of sailors.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Services at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. Visitation on Saturday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.
Interment, with Military Honors, will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Southeast La. Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, La.
Donations to the charity of your choice preferred, in lieu of flowers.
Read MoreIt saddens me to hear of Mr. Ericsson’s death. His mentorship has left a profound influence on my life. Prayers for Mr. John and his family.
Thomas “Rocky” Thompson
January 26, 2023 | Baton Rouge, LA | Student
Grateful to have known you, Skipper John. Thank you for all the good lessons and great memories in Sea Scout Ship 1. Fair winds!
Frank Thomas
January 24, 2023 | Other
You and June come into my thoughts frequently Fond memories of the special times Ralph and I spent with you and June ❤ Ann
Ann Bywaters
January 22, 2023 | Pompano Beach, FL | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. John was a great person and will be sorely missed. God bless his family in their grief.
June Booth
January 21, 2023 | Slidell, LA | Friend
To my exceptional Coast Guard Academy classmate who was a friend for life!
Paul T Kaufmann
January 20, 2023 | Friend
Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray
Paul T Kaufmann
January 20, 2023
We are fortunate to know his son John and family; whose empathy, competence, dedication to public service, and love of relatives, friends, and community must be greatly rooted in the fortitude and love exemplified by John R. Erickson Sr. May he Rest in Peace. Our family grieves the loss in yours, and we send our love.
Kosta, Irene, Alexi, Melina & Aaron (Prentakis family)
January 20, 2023 | Friend
Single Tree
Travis J Etzler
January 20, 2023 | Hallettsville, TX
Single Tree
Theresa Novosad
January 19, 2023 | Yoakum, TX