Duane Arthur Erickson

Duane Arthur Erickson fell asleep in death on Wednesday March 21st at the age of 70. He was born in Rochester, NY on March 11, 1948 to Marvin "Bud" Arthur Erickson, and Emily Helen Erickson, who both preceded him in death. His father was a Master Painter and Drywall Finisher who taught Duane his trades. Duane sadly lost his mother to death at the tender age of 10, leaving him especially close to his two sisters Diane Staton (Jan) and Debra Gray (Steve) whom he adored throughout his life. Duane's father remarried Marie Erickson and together they had Darryl, David, and Daniel, Duane's brothers.

From a youthful age, Duane cherished developing a relationship with his Creator, by studying the Bible and sharing its beautiful promises from Jehovah. He was baptized January 28, 1961 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Duane especially enjoyed the privilege of being a father to his precocious son, Kevin Duane Erickson, who tragically preceded him in death, and his "Princess," Karlena Rose, who gave him the gift of his only grandson, Gavyn Bryant.

Duane married the love of his life, Linda. Their marriage was marked by their deep love for each other and their respect for Jehovah who blessed them. Together they delighted to share the joy of finishing the raising of Linda's son, John Flores, in Venice, Florida. In time they moved to Northeast Georgia to help care for his parents, and finally to Columbus, Ohio where they helped Linda's parents. Duane and Linda loved playing games, camping, singing, dancing, and traveling with friends and family while they appreciated the marvels of creation.

Throughout Duane's life he was blessed with precious friends, too many to number, which he treasured as if they were his own mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.

Duane was especially known for his sense of humor, honesty, loyalty and for his unselfish love of others. One of the last things that Duane expressed was that being a happy person was a choice. His choice to be a happy person improved his life and the lives of all those he touched. Duane was confident in his Bible-based hope for a resurrection to a paradise earth as promised at Job 14: 14, 15, Psalms 37:10-11, 29, and Revelation 21:3-4. He will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held 3pm April 7, 2018 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 1401 Brown Rd, Columbus, OH 43223.