Gordon Erickson

Gordon Edward Erickson was called home to be with our Lord Saturday, May 21, 2016. The family will be celebrating his life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 10 a. m. with Pastor Paul Krupicka officiating. Interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 23rd at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Gordon was 89 at his passing, just shy of his 90th birthday. He was a man of faith and departed this world surrounded by, and in the loving embrace of his family. Irene Erickson, his devoted wife of over 65 years, stood by his side throughout life and through the health challenges that marked his last years. Irene and Gordon’s family express their deep appreciation for the support and care provided by the staff of Brookdale Lakeshore Assisted Living. The family also wishes to express its appreciation to Bluebonnet Hospice for the kindness and compassion they provided to Gordon during the past weeks. Gordon was the son of Gilbert and Elin Erickson. He was born in Elroy, Texas into a small Swedish farming community. He went into the Navy in the latter days of World War II and served his country aboard an escort aircraft carrier. When Gordon returned home after the war he courted the daughter of a German immigrant family, Irene Dube. Gordon and Irene were married in 1949 and remained a devoted couple for over 65 years of marriage. They had three children; Susan, Larry and Becky. Their family was raised in Austin, Texas and he was most proud of his children’s accomplishments. Gordon was a loving and deeply committed father and husband. His family was truly his “best work.” Gordon had a long and successful career as an auditor with the IRS. During the course of that career he was the recipient of numerous awards, accolades and achievements. When he retired from his civil service career he and Irene moved to the Waco, Texas area where he established himself as a master gardener, respectable golfer, volunteer with Meal on Wheels, church leader and patriarch of the Erickson clan. Many celebrations were hosted in the Erickson home in Waco. It was always a refuge for the family and a source of the best comfort food and gracious hospitality in Texas. Gordon was a kind, gentle and compassionate man. He is remembered by both family and friends for his charity, his counsel, his ready laughter and his loving ways. He will be missed at the card and domino tables, and Sudoku just lost one its most ardent aficionados. He is survived by his wife, Irene; his children Susan Haydon and husband, Don, Larry Erickson and wife Kittye, and Becky Ward and husband Victor. His grandchildren, Eric Haydon, Kristin Lane, Carolyn Randall, Ryne Erickson, Landry Erickson, Lance Erickson, Heather Muskrat, Katie Hedrick, and Phillip Ward honor their grandfather’s memory along with their great- grandchildren Caitlin Lane, Collin Lane, Jonathon Monroe, Jacob Muskrat, Braeden Muskrat, Kara Hedrick, and Jeremey Ward. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Mark Dube and Jonathan Zabel. Memorials may be made to Waco Meals on Wheels, St. Matthew Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.