Earl Ericksen
May 22, 1924 — July 12, 2011
MTN. GREEN - K. Earl Ericksen, 87, passed away, July 12, 2011 at McKay-Dee Hospital. He was born May 22, l924, to Vernal and Anita Stringham Ericksen, in Manti, Utah.
On January 28, l948, he married Gretta Griffiths in the Logan LDS Temple. Earl was an avid sportsman. He played basketball, won a high school state doubles tennis championship as well as played tennis for BYU, and pitched semi-professional baseball throughout Utah and Wyoming. Many family vacations were spent hunting and fishing.
Earl served his country during World War II in the army. He was the director of a USO type show band which entertained troops. He spent a great deal of his professional career playing and directing in jazz bands.
Earl graduated from Manti High School, received his Associates Degree from Snow College, B.S. degree from BYU, and his Masters and Doctorate from Utah State University.
He taught 7 years in the public school system teaching music as well as physical education. Earl then became a professor of music at Weber State University. He was chairman of the music department for 7 years. Earl has held several different positions in his ward and stake. He was President of the Board of Education for the Morgan County School District and was director of the Junction City Big Band. He has instilled his love of music to his grandchildren and countless others.
Earl is survived by his wife, Gretta; a son Steven and a daughter Lanette (Eldon) Jensen; 7 grandchildren; Jacob (Sarah), Audrey, Brian, and Dane Ericksen: Katie (Alan) Park, Landon, and Chelsea Jensen, and 2 great-grandchildren Seth Ericksen and Evan Park.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother McLloyd and sister Vernita.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highlands Chapel, 5378 Old Hwy Road, Mtn. Green, Utah. Family will meet friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Interment will be held Mountain Green Cemetery.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by the Morgan Honor Guard.