Anthony Michael Erickson

From an early age, Tony enjoyed being outside and working with his hands, reflecting qualities modeled by his father, whom Tony greatly admired.

Tony excelled in soccer and played on a multitude of teams from childhood through his early 20’s, often being coached and cheered on by his ever supportive and involved mother who rarely missed a game.

Tony and his siblings Hutsey (Tresa and children Christian, Victoria, and Elijah), Samm (Hannah and son Shane), Paul, Lucy Smith (Brent and children Vivian, George, and Henry aka Ace), and TJ (Morgan and 4 children) spent countless summers swimming, camping with their fellow Scouts, vacationing, and visiting the large number of aunts, uncles, and cousins with their grandparents, including Paul Hutsey of Pittsburg, Kansas.

Tony and his four brothers were recognized by the state of Kansas as being one of few families wherein all brothers within one family met the requirements necessary to become an Eagle Scout, a distinction he was very proud of.

After graduating from Olathe North High School in 1996, Tony went on to obtain his CDL from Fort Scott Community College, being awarded the title of “best backer” of an 18 wheeler.

Tony loved big screen TV’s and rarely missed Monday Night Wrestling, frequently enjoying pay-per-view matches with friends and family.

On May 27th, 2000 Tony married Erin (Lura) Meddings and they went on to have two daughters, Stella and Sophia.

Stella Arlene was born in April of 2004 and Sophia Louise was born in March of 2008. The greatest title and role of Tony’s life was that of “dad.” It was no surprise that when Tony became a single dad in 2010, he devoted his life to his girls. He hosted playdates and sleepovers, happily participated in Daddy Daughter dances in Stella and Sophia’s yearly dance recitals, and patiently allowed them to paint his toenails and put make-up on him. Tony went trick-or-treating with his daughters every year and made sure they got flowers and chocolates for Valentine’s Day. While he loved all holidays, Christmas was his favorite and he threw himself into over-the-top holiday decorating. Each winter, Tony had the girls pick out a new yard blow-up to add to his ever expanding collection.

Tony was a loyal friend and neighbor, always willing to help others. He was endlessly reliable and could be counted on to lend a hand whether it was to move heavy furniture or boxes, unload and haul gravel, build a fence, and aerate lawns. He was always one of the first ones to shovel driveways and sidewalks for his neighbors when weather canceled his own work day.

No one would argue that Tony passed much too soon and much too young. Hopefully, with time, comfort can be found in knowing he will forever live on in our hearts and in our memories as he watches over all of us. Hopefully, in time, a sense of peace will surround us, knowing he was welcomed with open arms by his Grandma Louise and Grandma Tip, his Grandpa Dean, his cousins Joey and Jed, and his pups Penny and Petunia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Erickson family.