Donald Albert Erickson

Donald Albert Erickson, 71 of Paragould, died Friday at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN. Donald was a retired Mechanial Enginner and of the Lutheran faith.

Don graduated from Carpio High School, a small town in Northcentral North Dakota. He excelled in academics, music, track, football, and basketball earning many trophies throughout his high school years. He attended North Dakota State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Sigma Phi Delta fraternity.

Don was a mechanical engineer with a 42-year career supporting various manufacturing operations for Winnebago Industries, Forest City, Iowa; Clow Corporation, Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Tenneco Monroe, Paragould, Arkansas.

Don joined the Gold Wing Riders in 1990 and remained a member until his death. He held the position of Chapter Director and was the newsletter editor at one time. He traveled most of the connected United States plus Canada, his last trip being to California and up the coast to Oregon and Washington.

Growing up on a generational farm 40 miles from a large city provided many opportunities. Being an avid hunter and marksman, Don provided a variety of wild game for the family dinner. Don was very mechanically inclined and could figure out how to fix anything. He was an inventor and full new ideas to make life better for others. For fun, he and his brothers built a 'car' from other parts around the farm and once the 'got the motor running', it was the pride of all.

Don would find a piece of wood and turn it into beautiful wind chimes, family signs, bowls, and tables. He was proud of his woodworking shop which included a sawmill where he milled logs for friends and neighbors.

Don attended a small country church built by his ancestors and participated in Sunday School and music.

Don was the third child of five born into a traditional Norwegian family. With one brother older and one brother younger, there was always sporting events to participate. He threw the javelin and taught his younger brother to throw which lead to State Titles. Don and his older brother David played football and track and with his older sister, Diane played in the high school band. Don played the trombone. Blessed with maternal and paternal grandparents within a mile of the family farm, family holidays and celebrations were filled with traditional Norwegian pastries and playing cards. Specials memories of Grandpa Mac teaching special cards games and always ready to go fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlowe Erickson and Yvonne McKenzie Erickson; daughter, Danielle Erickson.

Survivors include son, Tim Erickson of Paragould; daughter, Melissa Aiken of Collierville, TN; brothers, David Erickson of North Dakota and Duane Erickson of Natchez, Ms; sister, Darlene Newman of Colorado. Grandchildren, Samantha Erickson, Miranda Ballard, Katie Erickson, Bennett Aiken and Sella Grace Aiken; great grandchildren, Braelynn, jace and Hadley.

Visitation will be Monday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home, Graveside services will be Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Online tributes to www.heathfuneralhome.com

Following the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 50 people will be allowed to gather inside of the funeral home at one time, maintaining social distancing of 6-foot between one another, and face masks will be required to enter the building.