Jeffrey Erickson

Jeffrey Charles Erickson, was embraced by his Heavenly Father and entered into the presence of the Lord on March 17, 2010. His loving family and church family were at his side during his last days. He faithfully served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, until his death.

Jeff was raised in northern Minnesota.-He proudly served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war for over seven years, and served an additional year in the Texas Guard.-Jeff's passion for education led him to earn a Bachelor's degree with a double major in Mathematics and English.-He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Laredo State University; he also earned a Masters of Education degree and several teaching certificates. Keeping with his active lifestyle, he continued with postgraduate work at Texas A&M International University.

Jeff was a very loving, caring, and dedicated man, who touched many lives.-He was blessed with many gifts and talents which he shared with the community, church, his many students, family, and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed the art of teaching, and enlightened the minds of countless numbers of Laredo's students and young adults.-Jeff taught Mathematics at-J.W. Nixon High School, St. Augustine High School, Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School, where he also served as UIL Coordinator for many years. Additionally, he lectured at the Laredo Junior College where he was an adjunct professor. His heart and influence for education was instilled in his daughter, Dawn Michelle.-He was very proud of her educational accomplishments throughout her life, especially when she graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007.

He served as President of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International and was a member of The Gideons International.-Jeff was a servant at heart, and served as an usher at church for 30 years, including 20 years as Head Usher and Armor Bearer at The Church of the Crossroads for Pastors Norman and Sandra Howell.-He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Erickson is preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Leona Erickson, and his beloved mother-in-law Emma Villarreal.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Diana V. Erickson; his only daughter, Dawn Michelle Erickson; brother, Phil (Sandra) Erickson; father-in-law, Jesus Villarreal; brothers-in-law, Jesus Rolando and Ricardo Villarreal; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, other relatives and the entire church family at The Church of Crossroads.

Pallbearers will be: Ignazio Vallone, Mack Rodriguez, Mike Rooney, Ricardo Villarreal, Rev. David Garcia, John Coffey, and Rene Villarreal.

Honorary Pallbearers will be:-Joe Nieto, Tony Rodriguez, Eduardo Yzaguire, Leo Espinoza, and Enrique Coronado, III.

The family would like to express their most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to pastors, family, and friends for their prayers, love and support throughout this difficult time.-"We pray blessings upon the physicians, especially Dr. Eduardo Gomez Vazquez, Dr. Jorge Gomez Vazquez, who were his students, as well as Dr. Shafiq U. Cheema, Dr. Eduardo Miranda, Dr. Ben Fernandez and Dr. Manuel Jovel."

A special thanks to the members of the American Legion Post 59, U.S. Airforce Bugler and Flag Detail and the Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa J.R. R.O.T.C. honor guard for military service honors provided.