Donald Lee Erickson

Don was born December 13, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Charles E. and Mary M. Erickson. He married Sharon L. Gannan on June 23, 1956 at St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Don graduated from Lanphier High School in 1950. He attended Western Illinois University on a basketball scholarship before enlisting in the Army for two years.

Don pitched professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies organization for 12 years and was a three-time Junior Horseshoe State Champ. A proud member of the Major League Baseball Players Association, Don's athletic prowess was not limited to the baseball diamond as he twice led the city in scoring in the city basketball tournament and was given the privilege to have a night of his own known as "Don Erickson Night." He sold insurance for Franklin Life, retired from the Department of Insurance, and previously was a color commentator for WTAX.

Always active in the community, Don was a member of the Elks, past President of the ABC Club, and a member of the Knights of Columbus #364. Don joined his brother Ed and Tom England to form the popular singing group the "Easy E's." His varied interests included cooking and he was a chili cook-off champion. Fun-loving and socially engaging, Don could be characterized as loyal, resilient, heroic, and saw virtue in those lucky enough to call him friend.

He avidly cheered for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the St. Louis Cardinals, but he will be remembered most for his devotion to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles "Duby" Erickson and Ed Erickson; niece, Kim Jameson; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Erickson.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Erickson of Springfield; two daughters, Neely Schlosser (husband, Tim Schlosser) of Springfield and Erin M. Cleary of Springfield; four grandchildren, Whitney and Allie Schlosser, C.J. Cavanagh, and Madeline Cleary; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 6, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Children's Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702.