1929
Raymond
2016
Raymond L. Erickson
October 11, 1929 — September 27, 2016
Raymond L. Erickson, 86 years of Hillsboro, passed away on Tuesday September 27, 2016.
He was born in Duluth, MN on October 11, 1929, the son of the late Leonard and Mary (Storey) Erickson.
Raymond was in the United States Air Force, Ray was one of the only pilot to ever successfully land a flamed-out F100 without damage to himself or the aircraft. It was considered by air force experts to be a next to impossible feat. His commanding officer put him in for a flying safety award. It was not approved, because they did not want more pilots to make the hazardous attempt. Of three pilots who had tired previously, two died and one became a paraplegic.
In order to be home a bit more with his wife and children, Ray transferred from F-100s to B-52s, where he soon became Commander of the plane while still a First Lieutenant.
In 1966, Ray earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S.A.F. Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He later became a Logistics Engineer as well.
Soon after he was deployed to Vietnam for one year. There he flew the C-47. While flying 276 missions during that year, the writer John Steinbeck flew with Ray and wrote a story about it, which was carried in the local newspaper. Ray received the highest medal awarded by the South Vietnamese government-the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Silver Star. After returning to the U.S. he received additional medals from the U.S.A.F.
Ray retired in 1973 as a Lt. Colonel, after having served for 21 years. Several months later the Air Force had a need for his expertise and he worked another twenty-plus years, eventually retiring in January 3, 1995.
In addition to his career, Ray maintained a life-long interest in music, playing cornet in his high school band, and viola in the orchestra. He later played trumpet and euphonium in the Hillsboro Community Band until he reluctantly stopped participant due to illness. For several summers he also played trumpet in the Duluth Municipal Band and even joined Moody's Marchers during their last of existence.
Ray made civic activity a priority in retirement. He was also active in the Methodist Church in Hillsboro through Bell Choir and the Emmaus Share Group. He tutored schools in math, served as the Chairman of the Samaritan Outreach Endowment Committee and was selected "Good Samaritan" of the year I n2005, a Legislative Chair of National Association of Retired Federal Employees for Ohio and in Wrenshall, MN he started a bible study class at the Presbyterian Church.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Corrine (Bergman) Erickson, whom were married on July 7, 1953, three sons, David (Betty) Erickson of Reno NV, Brian Erickson of Hillsboro and Paul (Patty) Erickson of Enon,OH, two daughters, Terrie Armstrong of Huntsville, AL and Vickie (Dick) Ferriman of Sanford, FL, sister, Janice Magney of Reno, NV, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday October 8, 2016 at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.
Donations can be made the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church or the Cancer Society.
To sign our online guestbook, please visit us at www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com
Saturday, October 08, 2016
2:00 PM
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Send Sympathy Card
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He was born in Duluth, MN on October 11, 1929, the son of the late Leonard and Mary (Storey) Erickson.
Raymond was in the United States Air Force, Ray was one of the only pilot to ever successfully land a flamed-out F100 without damage to himself or the aircraft. It was considered by air force experts to be a next to impossible feat. His commanding officer put him in for a flying safety award. It was not approved, because they did not want more pilots to make the hazardous attempt. Of three pilots who had tired previously, two died and one became a paraplegic.
In order to be home a bit more with his wife and children, Ray transferred from F-100s to B-52s, where he soon became Commander of the plane while still a First Lieutenant.
In 1966, Ray earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S.A.F. Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He later became a Logistics Engineer as well.
Soon after he was deployed to Vietnam for one year. There he flew the C-47. While flying 276 missions during that year, the writer John Steinbeck flew with Ray and wrote a story about it, which was carried in the local newspaper. Ray received the highest medal awarded by the South Vietnamese government-the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Silver Star. After returning to the U.S. he received additional medals from the U.S.A.F.
Ray retired in 1973 as a Lt. Colonel, after having served for 21 years. Several months later the Air Force had a need for his expertise and he worked another twenty-plus years, eventually retiring in January 3, 1995.
In addition to his career, Ray maintained a life-long interest in music, playing cornet in his high school band, and viola in the orchestra. He later played trumpet and euphonium in the Hillsboro Community Band until he reluctantly stopped participant due to illness. For several summers he also played trumpet in the Duluth Municipal Band and even joined Moody's Marchers during their last of existence.
Ray made civic activity a priority in retirement. He was also active in the Methodist Church in Hillsboro through Bell Choir and the Emmaus Share Group. He tutored schools in math, served as the Chairman of the Samaritan Outreach Endowment Committee and was selected "Good Samaritan" of the year I n2005, a Legislative Chair of National Association of Retired Federal Employees for Ohio and in Wrenshall, MN he started a bible study class at the Presbyterian Church.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Corrine (Bergman) Erickson, whom were married on July 7, 1953, three sons, David (Betty) Erickson of Reno NV, Brian Erickson of Hillsboro and Paul (Patty) Erickson of Enon,OH, two daughters, Terrie Armstrong of Huntsville, AL and Vickie (Dick) Ferriman of Sanford, FL, sister, Janice Magney of Reno, NV, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday October 8, 2016 at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.
Donations can be made the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church or the Cancer Society.
To sign our online guestbook, please visit us at www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com
Saturday, October 08, 2016
2:00 PM
Send Private Condolences
Send Sympathy Card
Print Obituary
View/Sign Guest Book
Create Memorial Website
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