Tom Erlanson

Thomas Edwin Erlanson

July 10, 1930 – July 19, 2021

Tom Erlanson, 91, of Waco passed away on July 19, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 Wednesday July 21. Services will be 1:00 Thursday, July 22, at the Oakcrest Funeral Home, Waco, with Rev Tim Jarrell officiating. Burial will follow in Waco Memorial Park.

Tom was born July 10, 1930 in Waco, to Wallace and Allie Erlanson. He graduated from LaVega High School in 1947. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy (1948-52) and served aboard the USS Baltimore during the Korean War. He continued his Navy career in the Naval Reserves from 1953 – 1985. Tom studied Accounting at 4-C College in Waco. His professional career included time as a butcher, sales rep for Barnes Lumber Company and he retired from the United States Post Office after 26 years in 1990. He was known on his walking mail route as the “whistling postman.”

In October 1951 he married the love of his life Opal Hopkins. After his retirement, Tom and Opal traveled extensively throughout the United States in their many campers, travel trailers, and motorhomes.

Tom and Opal were long time members of Cogdell Methodist Church. He lived by the motto “why buy it if you make it!”

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and older brother Doyle Erlanson of Wimberly, Texas.

Survivors include his beloved wife Opal, daughter Pam Reyes and husband Rick of Carrollton, TX, Vicki Reesing of Hewitt, TX, Tommy Erlanson Jr and wife Karen of Wauchula, Florida and Brian Erlanson of Frisco, TX. Six grandchildren, Tina Breckenfeld and husband Ted, Robyn Turner and husband Robert, Katrina Johnson and husband Aaron, Cheryl Cook and Scott Miller, and Jacqueline and Rebecca Erlanson. Great grandchildren include Hanna and Garret Breckenfeld, Elliot Turner, Clara, Cullen and Luke Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Jr and Brian Erlanson, Rick Reyes, Ted Breckenfeld, Robert Turner and Aaron Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cogdell Methodist Church or Disabled American Veterans.