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George M. Erickson Waco, TX QCWA # 14301 Chapter 126 |
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XYL: #14302 W5SGR Ruth
George Morris Erickson, 91, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 8 at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Visitation with the family will be 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, December 7 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.
George was a first generation, American born at Stanley, Kansas, September 23, 1921 to George A. and Pearl E. (Feltingberger) Erickson. He married Ruth Belle Walkup on February 6, 1944 in Richland, Missouri. They were both working for the Frisco railroad at that time.
George was a career railroader for 40 years retiring from MKT Railroad in 1980, after 33 years as train dispatcher and manager of "WC Waco Relay Office"
He was a mason for over sixty years, serving as a Past Master of Waco Lodge No. 92, and venerable lodge of the Waco Scottish Rite bodies, 32nd KCCH and York Rite KYCH. He also was a Past Worthy Patron Walter Baldwin Chapter no. 929 order of the Eastern Star. George served as District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic Dist. 61-C in 1988. He was chair of the Masonic funeral committee from 1938 - 1996, during which time he officiated 263 Masonic burial services.
George was an Amateur (Ham) Radio operator for 70 years, and held a commercial license since 1954. He enjoyed his hobby and was an avid telegrapher. He served as president of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees (NARVRE) for many years. He was president of Young at Heart Senior Dance Club from 1981 to 1990.
After retiring, George cooked and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels form 1980 - 1996. He also drove the train at Lions Park.
George is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ruth; two daughters, Georgina Eileen Bright and husband, David Lee of Harrisburg, NC, and Margaret Ann Erickson of Omaha, NE; three granddaughters, Sarah Bright Patterson and husband, Chris, Angela Bright Popernack and husband, Paul, and Shelley Erickson; two great-granddaughters, Devon Patterson and Tabetha Popernack; and great-grandson, Asher Popernack.