David Erekson Obituary

David William Erekson, 77, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Vallejo, California, on February 11, 1947, he lived a life marked by devotion to his country, family and his community.

David proudly served in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1985, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. His military career took him to various parts of the world, including tours in Fort Benning, Georgia where he attended Airborne Training in March of 1967. As a Green Beret he received two years of intensive training in communications and cross training in medics and demolition. He attended language school for five months in Washington D.C. He was then sent for a tour of duty in Panama. David eventually attended the Oklahoma University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. In February 1984 he attended the U.S. National Guard physician assistant course with the first phase conducted at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The second and final phase of the program was conducted at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. David was commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer on graduation in March 1985. He was the distinguished honor graduate from the program. It was during his training in the second phase that David met the love of his life his wife Dr. Gale Bracey as he rotated through orthopedic clinic at Brooke Army Medical Center. David eventually medically retired from the Army.

Following David’s distinguished military service, he continued to serve his community as a salesman for Jim Hudson Lexus where he worked his way up to a master’s salesman. David finally retired in May 2011 after 22 years in the car business.

Full of fun and life, David loved  spending time with his family and friends.  He loved taking trips, eating at different restaurants, sitting by the koi pond and playing with his fur babies.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Gale Lorraine Erekson, and their three sons: David William Erekson II, Dawson Alexander Erekson, and Christian VanWhitaker Erekson. He was a cherished grandfather to Malaya and Talon. He also leaves behind three sisters: Valerie (Lusana), Barbara, and Frances; two brother-in-laws, Eric Van Bracey and Hal Edward Bracey and one sister-in-law, Nancy Bracey. One very good friend Richard Loesch and many nieces, nephews, cousins and fur babies.

David’s life was a testament to the values of family, loyalty, and perseverance, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he knew. His legacy will be cherished and remembered by his family and all who knew him.

A funeral service to honor David Erekon’s life and service will be held at Kornegay Funeral Home, Lugoff-Elgin Chapel, Lugoff, SC with visitation from 6-7pm on Monday, September 16th, 2024, with memorial service to follow at 7pm. Military honors will be rendered at graveside at 1pm on Tuesday, September 17th 2024 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Lugoff-Elgin Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Services

Visitation
Monday, September 16, 2024
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Kornegay Funeral Home Lugoff-Elgin
1139 Highway 1 South
Lugoff, SC 29078

Memorial Service
Monday, September 16, 2024
7:00 PM
Kornegay Funeral Home Lugoff-Elgin
1139 Highway 1 South
Lugoff, SC 29078

Military Honors
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
1:00 PM
Columbia (Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Percival Road, South Carolina)