Obituary of John Payton Erickson

John Payton Erickson Born January 2, 1930 in Detroit MI to Harold and Zeelota Erickson (Zeeluff), passed away June 1, 2018, at Royal View Assisted Living in Mecosta, MI.

Married to Janice Erickson (Vasold) deceased 2003. Survived by his wife, Elsie (Joannne) Tune-Erickson (Hansen); daughters, Kristine Scott (Robert), Karen Voss, and Kathryn Pagliai (Donald). Step children Ellen Newville (Gary), John Tune (Janet), Robert Tune (Kathy) and Michael Tune (Jenny). 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, and 6 step-great-grandchildren.

John worked as a test driver then as a quality control engineer at Ford Motor Co. He was also a model, actor, dance instructor, small business owner, and later a Mercedes sales manager. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, gardening and the out-doors. He loved traveling and visited numerous countries. He volunteered for Kiwanis in Traverse City as well as in the Mecosta county area. He was a “Big Brother” and supported children's charities. He was known for his candy addiction and always shared freely, especially with local Amish children sometimes to the objection of their parents.

John loved life and people. He never took it too seriously and always had a joke or something funny to say. When you met John you instantly became friends. He looked at life through rose colored glasses and cared deeply. He would want us to celebrate his life just as he lived it. Care-free, loving, and all the while having fun.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday June 5th at noon, at Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 9407 90th Ave. Mecosta MI 4933, immediately followed by a luncheon at Antlers Fireside Grill 10107 Buchanan Rd Canadian Lakes MI 49346.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of John P Erickson to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.