Robert P. Erickson

Robert P. Erickson, age 91, passed away September 8, 2016 at his home in Oriental, NC.

He was born on April 2, 1925 in Mt. Pleasant, MI to Enoch and Philomela Erickson. Bob spent WWII in the Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet Program, defending the coast of CA as a P-38 fighter pilot.

After marrying Bettie Wilson in 1947, he enrolled in the Engineering Department of the University of Michigan, where he completed a year of pre-doctorate study before joining the Defense Division of Chrysler. Bob was a pioneer in space and, for the next 35 years, he played a principal role in technological “firsts” in US ballistic missiles, satellites, nuclear space tests, man-in-space programs and reentry vehicle development.

During the 70’s, Bob was head of engineering for the development of the M1 Abrams tank, which was used in Desert Storm. A lifelong boater, he taught courses for the United States Power Squadron for over 25 years and was Commander of the USPS in 1974-75.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bettie, and his two daughters, Cholena and Cady, but was predeceased by his son, Randy.

As a son, a husband and a father, Bob was a kind and loving man who always had a smile on his face and a helping hand extended to others. He was dearly loved and will forever be missed.

Funeral services will be privately held.