"Jane and family, I am saddened by this news. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be keeping you and the entire family in my prayers. Take care and may God help you through this most difficult of times."
In loving memory of
Eric Thomas Dunlap
Eric Thomas Dunlap of Phoenix, AZ died September 2, 2017 at the age of 35. Eric was born in
Alliance, Nebraska in 1981 and raised in Lee's Summit, MO.
In high school, Eric was very active in the theater and developed his passion for entertaining over the years to come.
He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Geography. While at KU, Eric was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and it was here that he also met his future wife, Kelli Edman. Eric and Kelli moved to Phoenix shortly after Eric's graduation in 2005 to work in banking.
In 2007, Eric and Kelli were married in Lawrence, KS and began their married life together in Phoenix. In 2011, they welcomed their daughter, Zoey, to the world who would forever be daddy's little girl. Eric loved his friends dearly and was loved by his friends in return. Eric found his calling professionally after leaving finance and joining the world of solar. He dedicated his last 5 years to Harmon Solar and served as a Vice President of Solar Operations where he was described by his work friends as the most charismatic friend that they ever had. In 2016, Eric and Kelli welcomed their son, Wyatt, to the world. Wyatt and Eric had a very special bond. Whether it was splashing in the water, digging in the dirt, or napping together, Eric always made sure Wyatt was laughing and loved.
Eric's love for others and desire to make the world laugh were his life's work. He was most at home at trivia or with a small group of friends and family entertaining and enjoying laughs. Simply, Eric was admired and loved for being genuine and unique, an original, he was larger than life.
Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Jackaline Dunlap. He is survived by his wife, Kelli Dunlap; his two children: Zoey Dunlap and Wyatt Dunlap; parents, Jane Dunlap and Jeff Leonard of Phoenix, AZ and Tom Dunlap of Portsmouth, RI; brother, Jacob and Jenni Dunlap of Brooklyn, NY; his sister Kaili Dunlap; grandparents James and Mary Lou Green; stepmother Laurie Dunlap; Von and Beverly Edman and the Edman Family; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and colleagues who all loved him and respected him as much as any family could.
There will be a celebration of Eric's life on Saturday, September 9th at Hansen Desert Hills Chapel at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the future education of Eric's children, Zoey and Wyatt. Contributions can be made at www.youcaring.com/EricDunlap
Tributes
"Jay and I are so sorry to hear of Eric's death. Please let all in the family know our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Tom, so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Eric sounds as if he were a terrific guy. My thoughts and prayers for you and his family."
"So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you. The Angels are watching over him now."
"Kelli, We're so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you, the kids, and the rest of the family. Love and hugs, Keeli and Jake"
"Our deepest condolences to all the Dunlap Family during this difficult time. Prayers and healing thoughts to all. Betsy, David, Claire and Charlotte Akin"
"Jane, Please know that your Human Resources family at BLM Arizona has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during your time of bereavement. Let us know if we can assist you in any way."
"We were heartbroken to learn of Eric's passing. He definitely provided us with much comic relief when things got tense. We will be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic time and hoping for comfort, brighter days and loving memories for Kelli, Zoey and Wyatt. Our heart felt sympathies are with you"
"So sorry for your loss, Jane. Prayers for you and the family. Especially for his wife and beautiful children. God bless all."
"I met Eric in Hashinger Hall in 2000 at KU. I knew instantly that Eric was the ham of the floor. He was so kind and generous with those around him. Whether is was golf by Clinton Lake, a unplanned trip to Kanarado just for fun, or giving advice on relationships, or a midnight guitar solo, Eric was there for me. I will never forget the good times we shared. I know that he has blessed many lives with his spirit and humor. He will be missed by many. I know his legacy lives on in Zoey and Wyatt. Every time I see their smiles, I see Eric's. I send my prayers and thoughts out to his family. Thank you Eric for being a part of my life and those around you."
"Jane & Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time."
"My heart goes out to all who loved Eric. He will be missed dearly. May the memories of his smile & laughter & ability to make everyone around him do the same ease your pain during this time. My prayers are with you."
"Eric was a person I respected and enjoyed being around. I will never forget him and will sourly miss his unique personality. He would do silly things llike having everyone sitting around the table say something they admired about the person next to them. He did this with a purpose and I watched him bridge gaps between coworkers and people in he industry. He would also spontaneously begin speaking "Star Wars language" I have no idea how authentic the language was but his dialect and ability to pass it off as authentic was impressive. I never saw Eric mad unless you talked about killing a bug. Eric would correct me know pointing out the difference between arachnids, scorpions etc. He was adamant that taking their life, any life was wrong. I never agreed and gave him a hard time about this belief. In his memory I know I will spare many lives of such creatures in the memory of Eric. Eric loved his wife his kids and the people fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed but never forgotten.!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Eric's family. We are so sorry for your loss"
"Jane and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vickie and Bob Arends"
"My deepest condolences to the Dunlap family during this heartwrenching time. May time together and good memories ease the pain of your loss and sorrow."
"Jane and family, we are praying for comfort for your broken hearts during this time and the future to come. ??"