Pastor John H Erickson

Pastor John H. Erickson, Sr., 67, of Altoona, went home to be with the Lord, Friday afternoon at his residence. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Arthur and Ella May (Richards) Erickson. He married Betty Jane Claar, who preceded him in death May 2, 1993. Surviving are nine children, John Jr., and wife Melissa of Altoona, Judy Gerberich and husband Lee of Mechanicsburg, Barbara McGuire of Marysville, Pa, Becky Thoman and husband George, of Dillsburg, Sandra Deimler and husband Mark, of Shiremanstown, PA, Terry Erickson, Sr., and wife Shelly of Altoona, Teresa Goodyear and husband Lloyd Sr., of Mechanicsburg, James Erickson and Wayne Erickson both at home, 29 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers and four sisters and many nieces and nephews. Pastor Erickson was a member and associate pastor of Faith Tabernacle in Altoona and also was the owner/operator of Blocher's Meat Market for many years. His life was serving the Lord, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his work. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8pm Tuesday, March 3, 2009, and from 10-11am Wednesday, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., where a funeral service will be held at 11am Wednesday, with Pastor Kenneth W. Yeager, officiating. Interment at Grandview Cemetery.