Thomas G. Erickson, age 67 of Miles City, passed away on February 22, 2014 at his home in Miles City.
Tom was born on February 26, 1946 in Norfolk, VA; the son of Thomas and Francis (Goff) Erickson. He attended Norview Elementary School and Princess Ann High School in Norfolk. Before graduating he quit high school and hitchhiked to California. He joined the Air Force in 1965. His first order from his Sergeant was to get his GED or dig ditches for the rest of his tour. He got his GED. Tom served his country proudly for four years, one year in Germany and one year in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at Hamilton Air Force Base in July of 1969. He and Kathleen Shunk were married on January 1, 1966 at Hamilton Air Force Base. His children, Angela and Tommy, were born while he was still in the service.
Following his discharge Tom tried several fields of employment including furniture mover and insurance salesman. He found his dream job with Greyhound Bus Lines as a driver for 18 years. During that time he established enduring friendships with many drivers that lasted his whole life. After Kathleen and Tom divorced in 1972 he transferred to Greyhound in Salt Lake City, Utah.
On November 26, 1973 he married Janet Schied in Miles City. His children Thad and Leigh were born while they lived in Salt Lake City. The family made the move to Miles City in 1981. Tom retired driving bus for Greyhound in 1988 due to a back injury. He worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a driver transporting veterans across the state from 1989 until his second retirement in 1999. During his time with the VA a co-worker convinced him to become a reserve deputy for the Sheriff’s Dept. After completing training he got to carry a gun and a badge and drive real fast without worrying who was chasing him.
Tom enjoyed driving because he got to be the boss as long as he was in the driver seat. He loved cruising, deciding that was the only way to truly vacation. He enjoyed a drink of Jack Daniel’s with a cigarette; and fortunately found the strength to quit both. He never thought he would live long enough to have grandchildren so loved spending time with Ka’tLynn and Joseph whenever possible.
Tom is survived by his wife Janet Erickson of Miles City; his two sons: Thomas Michael Erickson of Redding, CA and Thad (Naomi) Erickson of Alexandria, VA; his two daughters: Angela Marie Erickson of Cottonwood, CA and Leigh Jennifer Erickson of Miles City. He is also survived by two grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents Hallie & Thomas Erickson and Eva & John Goff.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday with the family receiving friends from 4p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Sheriff’s Dept. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 26, 2014
First Lutheran Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday February 26, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 26, 2014
First Lutheran Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday February 26, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Troy Ferris says
Dear Erickson family, we are so sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed Tom as a neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry to hear of your loss of Tom. I knew Tom from working at the VA. He was always a
very nice person. He usually acted quite serious when he was gathering up his van full of veterans or equipment to go on a trip to Billings or where ever.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Dear Janet and family..so very sorry for your loss.. God Bless You and help you through this most difficult time..
Carol
Neena Steadman says
Janet, Thad, Leigh and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Tom always had time to visit and I enjoyed catching up on family news when we saw each other. I smile as I remember his big hello’s and conversations! Blessings and Prayers.
Connie Schaefer says
Janet, I was sorry to hear of Toms passing. I always enjoyed waiting on you guys at the Hole In the Wall. Infact I was just thinking of you and your group the other day before I heard of Toms passing. If there is ever anything that I can do for you at all please feel free to call. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. Connie Schaefer
Jim & Cecile Certain says
Janet, So sorry to hear about Tom. Will miss seeing him at the Airport Inn. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Jim & Cecile
KC & Lauri KEITH says
Janet, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I’ve always enjoyed our visits. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Janet, Thad, Leigh and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time Tom worked the Bucking Horse Sale and patrolling as a Reserve Deputy. Tom always enjoyed working with the sheriffs Department and the Police Department. Tom always had time to visit when we saw each other. Blessings and Prayers – He will be missed.
Cynthia A. says
So very sorry for your loss! He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family!
Todd Burch says
I always enjoyed visiting with Tom while he waited to pick patients up or just floated through our department at the hospital. Always a nice guy to be around.
mike & myrna higgins says
Janet our very deepest sympathy and prayers for you at this time. So sorry to hear of your loss. Bless you Myrna (mulkey) Higgins and Mike Higgins
Jan Munroe says
Janet, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my new friend. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Karen Krausz says
Janet, I so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was always very nice to visit with and I know how much pride and love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Boston says
Dear Erickson Family, although I didn’t know Tom I can tell the kind of man he was by the way he raised his son. I am sorry for your loss and know that only time eases the pain. You are all in the thoughts and prayers of your extended HP family.
Carlene Root says
Janet and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Will miss seeing him at the Airport Inn. You and your family are in my prayers. Carlene (Aastrom) Root.
Truman & Judy Bovee says
Janet, we are sending our loving thoughts and prayers your way. We really enjoyed visiting with you and Tom at the Airport Inn. He always had a friendly greeting and we enjoyed sharing our common interests with traveling and grandkids. Janet, we look forward to seeing you at the Airport Inn. With warm regards, Truman & Judy Bovee
Deborah Callahan says
When we moved to Miles City, Tom Erickson was one of the first people we met. And then we bought his house on Broadus Stage and he had to come pull us out of the snow on the road to the highway because we didn’t have four wheel drive yet. Tom Erickson was a real hoot to know. He always had a smile on his face and was ready with a good joke. He loved to drive whether the Billings van or the Greyhound Bus. I missed him and Janet when we left Miles City and I’ll miss him more now. Bless you, Tom Erickson, and God keep your family safe.
Donna Sweeney says
Janet, I am sorry for you that you lost Tom. I knew him as the van driver for the VA. He was the right person for that job. He was so personable and respected all the veterans. What a nice guy. Thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy, Donna Sweeney
Shannon Holmen says
JANET & KIDS, SO SORRY HE LEFT YOU AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE. HE WAS ALWAYS REAL NICE TO ME. MY PRAYERS.
Jerry and Susan O'Daniel says
So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing away – He will be so missed and was so full of life – we had lots of good laughs – from the school bus driver to the Greyhound man – our deepest sympathy.
Pat and Cheryl Rogers says
Janet and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. May God comfort you in your time of great loss. With sincere sympathy.
Mona Ladue says
Janet and family. I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. I think about all the fun times we had working at the VA. Knowing Tom was an experience, He always had a sense of humor that always lifted my spirit. He was very thoughtful and went out of his way to help his fellow veterans. My prayers go out to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort from God and your family and friends during this difficult time. I will truly miss Tom. I believe that Tom can be at peace and out of pain. May God Bless you and you family. Deepest sympathy.
T. Kelly says
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is “close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.
Becky Johnson says
Janet and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Kathy Chapweske says
Janet and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was my buddy when I was a dispatcher. We had great laughs together. Teased me to no end. But that was Tom. Our thoughts and prayers go up for you and your family. Good-bye Tom. See you on the other side.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Thomas G. Erickson – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Erickson. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).