Alfred Dewayne Erdmann

Alfred DeWayne Erdmann, 93, passed away on July 9, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on April 29, 1933, in Baldwin, Kansas, Alfred lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his many passions.

Alfred began his career in road construction as a young man before joining the United States Air Force in 1950. His military service spanned an impressive 26 years, during which he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant (MSGT) in Ground Radio Communication. His assignments took him across the globe, including Germany, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Hawaii. Alfred played a pivotal role in maintaining and advancing communication technologies during critical moments in history. Notably, he worked with experimental Troposphere Scatter equipment on Texas Tower No. 2 in the Atlantic Ocean and contributed to operations at Cape Canaveral during the early days of the Atlantic Missile Test Range. His expertise also supported NATO jet acrobatic teams that would later form the USAF Thunderbirds. After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Alfred continued his service to the community as a Rural Letter Carrier for the Claremore Postal Service in Oklahoma for 18 years until his retirement in April 1995.

While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, Alfred met Mildred J. Collins, who became the love of his life. They shared nearly 56 wonderful years together until her passing in 2022. Their enduring bond was a cornerstone of Alfred’s life.

Alfred had a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship. He was passionate about the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad that ran through his hometown of Philip, South Dakota, and he modeled it meticulously in HO scale. A lifelong collector of postage stamps—a hobby inspired by his maternal grandmother, who served as postmaster of Vinland, Kansas—he found joy and connection through this pursuit. Alfred also delighted in building model airplanes and sharing his enthusiasm for model railroading by founding Green Country Model Railroaders. He was an active member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.

Alfred is survived by his children: Stanley Erdmann of the home; Jeannie Brown of Boiling Springs, South Carolina; DeWayne and Joyce Erdmann of Orem, Utah; and Mike and Marilyn Erdmann of North Pole, Alaska. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Buddy and Teresa Evan of Dade City, Florida; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who carry forward his legacy.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul J. Erdmann and Ida May (Milbern) Erdmann; siblings Jim “Spike” Erdmann of Durant, Oklahoma; Oliver Erdmann of Philip, South Dakota; Maggie McDonald of Claremore; and Mary Powers of San Bernardino, California; his beloved wife Mildred Erdmann; son Chris Erdmann of California; brother-in-law Kirk Brown of Boiling Springs, South Carolina; nephew Steven Brown of Boiling Springs; and daughter-in-law Shirley Hays of Checotah, Oklahoma.

Alfred’s life was one defined by service—to his country during times of war and peace, to his family whom he cherished deeply, and to the hobbies that brought him fulfillment and joy. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him.

May Alfred DeWayne Erdmann rest in eternal peace alongside those he loved most. A Visitation will be held on July 16, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 07:00 PM at MMS Payne Funeral Home 102 W. 5th Street. Family Time for this service will be from 5pm-7pm. A Funeral Service will be held on July 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at MMS Payne Funeral Home 102 W. 5th Street. A Graveside Service will be held on July 17, 2026 at Floral Haven Cemetery 6500 South 129th East Ave. This part of the service will be held after the Funeral Home Services in Claremore, Oklahoma.