Donald Lee Erickson was born 29 October 1930 in Gunnison, Utah, to Fredrick Hilmer and Addeline Jeppson Erickson. He died 26 June 2016 in Herriman. He was married to Lavay Hansen in 1950 and later divorced. He married Layle Thatcher in 1985.
Don grew up in Gunnison Valley working on the farm and doing whatever he could to help his family. Upon graduation from high school, Don enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years. He graduated from Utah Technical College (now UVU), then worked at Geneva Steel and BYU before becoming the Physical Plant Director at Snow College. He was a master welder and effective administrator. He also enjoyed carpentry and loved making toys and furniture for his children and grandchildren.
Don was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many callings, including two bishoprics. He and his wife Layle served a Family and Church History Mission in Salt Lake City from 2005-2007. He was an avid genealogist and served as a temple worker in the Manti Temple for 16 years.
Don is survived by his wife Layle and daughters Vicky Erickson, Tamara (Steven) Belnap, Wendy (Brad) Folsom, Karen (Russ) Sessions, Linda (Reid) Barker, and Kristena Erickson. Also step daughters Alison (Dan Kaseda) Walker, Lori (Curt) Chernosky, Andrea Oss, Cathy (James) Joyner, Carrie (Sage) Anderson, Emily (Brad) Evans and Elicia (Kurt) Carroll. Don was a loving grandfather to 59 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Judy Paxman. Proceeding him in death were his siblings Emeral, Fred, Joel, Frank, Lloyd, Joy, and Hilma, and a daughter Kathy and three infant grandchildren.
The funeral will be held on Friday, July 1 at 11:00 am at the LDS church building at 6869 West Vista Springs Drive, Herriman. A viewing will be held from 6 until 8 on Thursday evening, June 30, at Larkin Mortuary ‚ Riverton, 3688 W 12600 S and Friday from 9:30 until 10:45 at the church. Interment at Provo City Cemetery. For condolences, please visit www.LarkinCares.com.
