David served 26 years in the U. S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned numerous honors for his service which included; the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with six Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V", Expeditionary Medal with one Star, Fourth Good Conduct Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three Stars and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. After retiring from the Navy, David worked several years with the Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg and the Commissary at the Carlisle Barracks. He was a life member and past Post Commander for V.F.W. Post 477, Carlisle and wasapastPA AllState Commander of the V.F.W. He received his G.E.D. from Cumberland Valley High School in 2004, and was the oldest recipient in his class.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Phyllis M. (Williams) Erickson, three daughters; Tammy Brady and husband, Michael of Cape Charles, VA, Sharon Fliehmann of Camp Hill and Bobbie Fetter of Carlisle, three brothers; Frederick of McArthur, OH, Robert of Eighty Four and Eric Daniel Erickson of San Diego, CA, one sister, Cheryl Averill of Emporium, four grandchildren; Sabrina, Amanda and Jennifer Brady and Kane Fetter of Carlisle, who just entered the U. S. Navy this past week, one great-granddaughter, Kinley Brady and several nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by two sisters; JoAnn Farrel and Lois Jean King.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. in Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Pastor Mike Hammer officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services. Immediately following the funeralservices there will be a time of fellowship at theCarlisle V.F.W.Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Rd., Lemoyne, PA 17043 or to American Diabetes Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17110.