Neal Erickson

J. Neal Erickson, 86, of Lewisville, died Saturday, May 8, 2010 in Idaho Falls. He was born May 10, 1923, in Lewisville, to Joseph Enoch Erickson and Dora May Goody Erickson. He attended schools in Lewisville and graduated from Midway High School. On September 7, 1940, he married Veda M. Green in Butte, Montana; their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls, LDS Temple on March 29, 1956, together they had 5 children. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and served until 1946, when he was honorably discharged. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities including counselor in the bishopric. He served as Mayor of Lewisville, was a director on the Parks and Lewisville Canal Co. for 31 years, served on the Great Feeder Canal Board of nine for 16 years, was named Jefferson County Soil Conservationist Farmer of The Year, and received the Idaho Farmer Centennial Award. He was also a member of The Draft Horse Association and The American Legion, and was inducted into the Horseman Hall of Fame. Neal helped coach various sport teams and was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He received numerous awards for his Clydesdales that he raised and was proud of his family posterity. He is survived by his daughters; Dora Jolene (Pete) Mickelsen, Janeal (Roger) Nield, both of Lewisville, sons; John Lynn (Colleen) Erickson, of Lewisville, Brent W. (Mary) Erickson, of Las Vegas, NV, Blair G. (Celia) Erickson, of Idaho Falls, 27 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Veda, 3 sisters, Leora Mae Ross, Lelia Erickson, Opal Nichols, and a granddaughter, Jill Erickson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 14, 2010, at the Lewisville Church. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday evening at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, and from 9:30 a.m., to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Lewisville Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.