Phillip Karl Erickson, 83, was born on October 14, 1935 to Elof and Genevieve (Pittman) Erickson at home in Herndon Township. He was welcomed into his heavenly home on November 25, 2018. Phil, as he was known by most, was married to Margaret Anne Morton from 1957-1984 and to this union were born Ken (Pam) of Russell, Kristi Reneberg (Ron) of Kensington, and Mary Long (Greg) of Oberlin.

Phil graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1954. He attended Fort Hays State College and graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Education and received his teaching certificate in 1957. His first teaching assignment was in Ellsworth, KS, then Colby, KS and finished his 25-year teaching career in Oberlin. He took semi-retirement and was employed for the next 10+ years with Halliburton Oil Services. His longtime memberships include the Oberlin United Methodist Church (where he sang for many years in the choir), the Barbershop Chorus of McCook, NE and he was a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.

His love for teaching continued for the rest of his life and many former students enjoyed (or lovingly tolerated) his sharing of knowledge on many occasions, such as visits at the nursing home and Sunday School. His hobby of handyman filled his retirement days, keeping up several rental properties in Oberlin.

Phil will be remembered most for his love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus, for his grumpy sense of humor and love of family and friends. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren: Jason and Jordan Erickson, Alyce Peterson (Seth), Astine Bose (Ryan), Madeline Markley (Ben) Jackie Reneberg, Ethan Long (Dani) and Jenna Long, five great grandchildren: Elias Erickson, Ayden and Emalee Long, Genevieve and Asher Peterson, brothers Gary (Mary Anne) of Oberlin and Ron (Marlene) of rural Herndon, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, November 30, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Oberlin Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 10:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M, with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Pauls Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to the Oberlin United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children or To the Family of Phillip Erickson and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.