Robert “Carl” Erickson passed on July 15, 2025 due to liver cancer. Carl was at home with sister Darlene and brothers Gary, James and Steven.
On March 6, 1941, Carl was born to John “Ralph” and Mildred Erickson in Spokane, Washington. Carl’s dad worked for newspapers, and the family moved often. They lived in Issaquah, Yakima, Walla Walla, Selah and Fairbanks, Alaska, to name a few. Carl worked at the Walla Walla Police Department, where he met and married Walla Walla’s first meter maid, Carol Smith, in 1963; and the adventure began.
Three years later, their first baby was born. Christine was born blind. The family moved to East Wenatchee with hopes of being closer to a school besides the State School for the Blind in Vancouver. However, the school in Wenatchee closed, and Chris was transported to Vancouver. Later, two brothers, Clay and Cary, were born while Carl was a deputy sheriff for Douglas County.
After a few trips over the mountains, the family wanted to be together, so they moved to Centralia. Carl and Carol purchased and operated a 7-Eleven store for 11 years. They sold the store due to many other stores opening.
The PPG Glass Plant was Carl’s workplace until the plant closed. Carl then went to work in sales for Uhlmann Motors until he retired.
Sons Clay and Cary were in sports, keeping the family busy. Christine moved home from Vancouver and brought with her a gift of music. Chris began piano lessons with Judy Meyers and still plays today. The family found “fishing” as one of Carl’s passions.
Carl went on his final fishing trip with sons Clay and Cary and grandsons Cameron, Caden and Jayson. Carl rode an orange and black electric scooter. They didn’t catch any fish, but who needs fish when you have family? Carl felt family is one of life’s greatest blessings.
His granddaughter Makayla was married July 13, 2025, to college sweetheart Alex in a barn in Adna. Carl was too ill to attend the wedding, so he asked Carol to wear his fishing hat to represent him.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mildred Erickson; sister, Darlene Paulsen; brother, Steve Erickson; and granddaughter, Megan Erickson. Carl is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol; daughter, Christine; sons, Clay (Tammy) and Cary (Lynnae); grandchildren Billie (Wally), Makayla (Alex), Cameron, Caden and McKenzie; and great-granddaughter Athena. Carl is also survived by brothers Gary and James (with wife Shirlee).
Carl and Carol were blessed by God’s gifts: family, great friends and neighbors.
The family will hold a service at 11 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2025, at the Centralia Community Church, 3320 Borst Avenue, Centralia. A reception will follow. All are welcome to join the family to remember and honor Carl. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Centralia/Chehalis food banks, and organizations that support sports in Centralia such as the Centralia Little League and Centralia Athletics & Activities Facilities (CAAFF).
