Vaughn Milo Erekson

DECLO – On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Vaughn Milo Erekson saddled up for the last time and rode off into the sunset to join his son, Shane Erekson. He was loved by everyone he crossed paths with, and didn’t leave anyone without a “Miloism.” He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Milo brought joy and a smile to everyone he met, regardless of their age, background, religion, who they were and where they came from.

Milo was born August 10, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Vaughn Miller and Lucy Andrus Erekson. He was the oldest brother to a crew of Erekson children: David, Shannon, Steven (Bones), Rolayne, Fiona, Paul, Pete, Lucy, Jeff, and Jerry. Milo always said he was the oldest, the shortest, and the best looking and would back that up any time any day.

Milo was raised on the Erekson dairy farm where there were surely a lot of shenanigans and his love for early mornings was born. He attended McMillan Elementary, Murray Junior High and Murray High School. Milo continued his education at Snow College and earned his bachelor’s degree in farm management from Utah State University.

Milo was a family man to his core. He always said that it was the red hair that hooked him when he first saw Gayle, and their love story has continued for 45 years. Moving to Raft River to run his dry farm in the late 1970s made for lots of family time, adventures, and even more stories to tell. This is where his love of horses, hunting, and fishing started to evolve. Moving to Declo was where his path led to next, and where the adventures continued. He slowly added golfing and bowling to his diverse resume…and you might even have caught him substitute teaching here and there, where the kids all loved his nonchalant joking mannerisms. Being a 4-H leader for many years also allowed for more people to get to enjoy the laid back sweet nature of Milo.

He served many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faithfully. He worked in the temple for twelve years, and his interest in genealogy increased.

Milo never met a stranger, and those of you who have spent time with him will remember him forever. He always left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he will be dearly missed and dearly remembered. He has been an example to each and everyone.

Milo was survived by his sweetheart, Gayle Erekson; his children, Curtis (Mary) Peterson, Andrea (Sean) Kelleher, Lisa (Corey) Gates, and Kodi (Jason) Wright; and his grandchildren, Brendan, Lauren, Coleton (Liya), Cooper, Harper, Declan, Oakli (Troy), Jadi, Kason, Koleson, Sage, Dallas, and Gracie, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Lucy; his son, Shane; his two brothers, Steve and Jerry; and sister, Rolayne.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main Street, in Declo, with Bishop Fred Darrington officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from noon until 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service, at the church.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Cassia County 4-H program, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/7RmoM6bZons.