of St. Louis, passed away the evening of September 25, 2016, at his home following a brave bout with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Naomi Riddle Erickson and step-son Arnold Sullivan.
John is survived by daughter in law, Charlotte Sullivan McIlroy, two grandsons, Dalton Sullivan and Barry Sullivan, five great grandchildren, Curtis, Bryan, Caitlin, Barclay and Clayton Sullivan. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
Following his years in the Coast Guard and United States Army, Mr. Erickson worked at the St. Louis Zoo for 30 years, caring for the rare birds in the Flight Cage built for the 1904 World’s Fair. He loved working at the Zoo and after retirement, continued to keep in touch with friends and co-workers. This spring while his niece Sharon Constantino was visiting from New York, St. Louis Zoo workers arranged for a cart and private tour for John.
Services: Mr. Erickson’s visitation will be Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. Funeral services will be in the Kutis Chapel Friday morning, September 30, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. with burial services immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Camp Neo-Tez (6266 Big River Heights Rd., De Soto, MO 63020) in Mr. Erickson’s memory.