Eugene L. "Shave" Erickson

Eugene L. “Shave” Erickson, 91, of Galesburg, died at 4:04 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2014 in Heartland Health Care Center.

He was born April 4, 1923 in Galesburg the son of Enoch and Anna (Pritchard) Erickson.  He married Corinne L. Megginson on June 1, 1946 in Galesburg.  She preceded him in death November 18, 2014.

He is survived by a son, Jeffery (and Mollie) Erickson of Burlington, Iowa; a daughter, Linda (and Michael) Leahy of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Jennifer (and Rodger) Kelley, Joy (and Steve) Hall, Michelle Leahy, Patrick Leahy, and Megan Leahy; and four great grandchildren, Jordan Kelley, Jacob Kelley, Nicholas Hall, and Joey Hall.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and two sisters.

Eugene worked at the former Gale Products Division of Outboard Marine Corporation for 28 years, retiring in 1985.  He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1941 and from Brown’s Business College in 1958.  He lived most of his life in Galesburg.  Eugene was a member of First Christian Church.  Shave was an avid golfer and as such was a member of Soangetaha Country Club and Lake Bracken Country Club.  He also golfed at Bunker Links.  He volunteered his time as a reading buddy at Nielson School.  He was inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1942 to 1945 during World War II.  He was stationed in Europe and was a Prisoner of War for two years.  He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285 and V.F.W. Post 2257.

Cremation will be accorded.  Visitation and memorial service will be announced at a later date.  At that time, burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 or V.F.W. Post #2257. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.