Philip R. Erickson

Mr. Philip R. Erickson, 83, of Knoxville, Illinois died 4:04 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois. 

Phil was born September 9, 1939, in Galesburg to W. Lawrence “Larry” and Helen (Ortman) Erickson.  He married Terri Tenneson, August 6, 1967, in Galesburg.  She survives. 

Also surviving are two sons, Scott (and Carrie) Erickson of Knoxville and Lance (and Erika) Erickson of Washington, D.C., four grandchildren, Nathan Erickson, Elaina Erickson, Connor Erickson, and Owen Erickson, a great granddaughter, Paisley Erickson, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Larry Erickson and an infant brother, David Erickson. 

Phil graduated from Galesburg High School in 1957. He later graduated from Knox College in 1961 where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.  He served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964 and was a tank commander stationed in Korea.  Phil was a teacher and a coach at Lombard Junior High School, Galesburg for 43 years and retired in 2004.  He was a lifelong member of Faith United Methodist Church, Galesburg.  He was a member of the American Legion.  He was a former chairman of the Knox County Republican Committee, elected Precinct Committeeman, and Orange Township Trustee.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Phil loved to coach and making connection with his students and players.  He was a coach for Babe Ruth baseball and Lombard Junior High basketball, soccer, and track.  He was inducted into the Galesburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was honored when the new Lombard gymnasium was named after him. 

Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Faith United Methodist Church.  Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Dan Lybarger officiating.  Private committal service will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg with military rites by the Knox County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church or Wounded Warriors Project.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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