Thomas E. "Tom" Erickson

Thomas “Tom” Erickson, 79, of Davenport, passed from this life on Monday, October 14, 2024, at his home with his brother and sister-in-law by his side, following a long battle with skin cancer. Per his wish the rite of cremation has been accorded and a visitation to celebrate his life will be held from 10 am – noon on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Burial will be privately held in National Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers or your favorite Veterans charity.

Tom was born September 14, 1945, in Davenport, a son of Elmer and Dorothy (Asman) Erickson. He was a member of the first graduating class from West High School to attend all three years. He wrestled for West and won the first ever wrestling match at the school. He wrestled again once he attended college and had a great love of collegiate wrestling, which continued throughout his life. He was a big Iowa fan and would try to watch every match during the Big Ten season and the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

After high school he served in the Navy for three years during the Vietnam War as a fire control technician aboard landing ship transports. He remained in the Naval Reserves for twelve years after his active-duty service. He was proud to be a veteran and to have served his country.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he attended SE Missouri State, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in math and minors in industrial arts and history. He had a mind for numbers and could remember everything! 

Tom worked just short of 35 years for the US Postal Service in Rock Island, starting as a letter carrier and retiring as a machine technician.

He owned Tom Erickson Autographs, collecting, selling, and was an expert at verifying and authentication of autographs.

Survivors include his brother Mark (Barb) Erickson of Davenport; nieces and nephews Colleen (Tom) Maxwell of Reynolds, IL, Todd (Kathy) Erickson of Reynolds, Brian Erickson of Davenport, Nathan (Quinn O’Keefe) Erickson, Leah (Jesse) Chandlee, Ryan (Courtney) Maxwell, Jake (Sydney) Maxwell, Amber (Carl) Brown, Brandon (Courtney) Erickson, Katie Erickson; and many great nieces and nephews. He was adopted as “Papa Tom” to his much-loved Drew Gradert of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law Keith (Pat) Erickson.

The family would like to thank Dr Mario Sy and the wonderful caring staff of Genesis Hospice. (true angels)

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.