Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Erickson, John A. June 5, 1923
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Sentinel-Standard - Saturday, June 9, 1923

                    FUNERALS FOR IONIA TEMPLAR WRECK VICTIMS

           Sir Knights John Erickson and Heber D. Waldron Laid to Rest
                         in Impressive Services Friday.

                 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS OF MICHIGAN MASONS PRESENT

           Solemn Reverence Marks Final Act in History of Local Lodge's 
                  Special Train Catastrophe as Dead Are Buried.

Ionia mourned Friday when the remains of the two victims of the Durand wreck, 
Heber Waldron and John Erickson, were laid to rest.

It was the first time in many years at least that the Ionia Masonic bodies have 
been called upon to attend two funerals in the order on the same day. Hundreds 
of Ionia citizens attended one or both of the funerals. Scores of automobiles 
carried to and fro those who went to pay their last respects to the wreck 
victims. The white plumes of Knights Templar and the red collars of the Odd 
Fellows stood out among the throngs that lined the way through which the 
funeral party passed and filled the church and homes. 

Officers of the grand commandery, Knights Templar, and commandery officers from 
neighboring cities arrived in Ionia from attending the double funeral at Durand 
of the engineer and fireman of the ill-fated train, in time to attend the 
funeral services for John Erickson, which were held at 4 o'clock at the home of 
his mother, Mrs. Lena Erickson 108 South Jefferson street, and at 4:30 from the 
Church of Christ.

Right Eminent Sir William H. Wetherbee, past grand commander, of Detroit; Right 
Eminent Sir Mark Norris of Grand Rapids, grand standard bearer of the grand 
encampment, who acted as prelate; Right Eminent Sir R. Guy Brownson, past grand 
commander, of Lansing; Very Eminent Sir H. Bruce Moore, deputy grand commander 
of Grand Rapids; Eminent Sir John G. Gronberg, past commander, of Grand Rapids; 
Eminent Sir George King Phillips, past commander, of Grand Rapids; Eminent Sir 
Edward H. Fehring,d past commaner of St Johns, and Eminent Sir George 
Schoenholz, eminent commander, of St. Johns, were among the Masonic officers 
who attended the funeral service of Sir Knight John Erickson. 

More than 100 sir knights of Ionia commandery No. 11, Knights Templar, and 
about 75 members of Ionia lodge No. 36, F. & A. M., and a large representation 
of the I. O. O. F. lodge attended the service in a body. The church was filled 
with friends and relatives of the family and a large number of fellow employes 
of the Hayes-Ionia company, where Mr. Erickson had been employed for several 
years. The company closed down its plant for the greater part of the afternoon.

Rev. M. H. Garrard was in charge of the service and was assisted by Rev. Joseph 
H. Green, of the First Presbyterian church. Music was furnished by the church 
choir.

The Masonic service at the church was conducted by Right Eminent Sir William H. 
Wetherbee, past grand commander, of Detroit. He was assisted by Right Eminent 
Sir Mark Norris, grand standard bearer of Michigan, who acted as prelate. 

The bearers were chosen from employes of the Hayes-Ionia company and were 
Forrest Keys, Lyle Dye, Harry Dye, Orry Woodard, Howard Orser and Guy Messecar. 

Burial took place in the family lot at Highland Park cemetery.

The services for Heber D. Waldron were held earlier in the afternoon at the 
home, 346 Lafayette street, where more than 100 sir knights of Ionia commandery 
No. 11, Knights Templar, and a large representation of Ionia lodge No. 36, F. & 
A. M., assembled. Representatives of Ionic shrine and Queen Esther chapter, 
Order of Eastern Star, were also in attendance at the services.

Rev. W. T. Woodhouse, of the First Baptist church, of which Mr. Waldron was an 
active and valuable member, conducted the services at the home. The bearers 
were selected from the ranks of the Masonic fraternity and were  Ralph Cheney, 
Foss O. Eldred, Paul VanKeuren, Henry Cook, Frank S. Loree, and Elmer Cowan.

From the house the funeral party went to Palo, where interment took place in 
the family lot in Palo cemetery, At the grave the Masonic funeral service was 
given, Rev. Mr. Woodhouse himself a Mason, officiated in the absence of Eminent 
Commander Warner K. McSween, still confined to his home recovering from 
injuries received in the wreck.

There were many friends from Muir, Lyons, Pewamo, Belding, Orleans, Portland 
and other sections of the county here to attend the funeral. A sister, Mrs. 
Louise Salume, of Battle Creek; a cousin, Mr. Waldron, of Kent, O., and a 
cousin, J. B. Wilmer of Ravina, O., were also here for the funeral.

The floral offerings, which were beautiful, were in charge of Mrs. J. R. 
Bricker and Miss Grace French.  

Additional Comments:
Services: Friday, 8 June, 1923
Highland Park cemetery #4-141

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