Eric Purdy's Obituary
Eric “Buster Brown” Purdy, age 40, of Wellington, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the emergency room at University Hospital in Elyria. He was born on March 16, 1986, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Eric was a devoted IT Technician at Westfield Insurance Company, where his willingness to help others and solve problems reflected the kind of person he was both in and out of the workplace. He approached life with humility, generosity, and a quiet strength that drew people to him.
Known to many as “Buster Brown,” Eric had an infectious sense of humor and a rare gift for making everyone around him feel welcome. He could make you laugh when you needed it most, greet you with a genuine smile or a warm hug, and leave you feeling like you truly mattered. His kindness was effortless, his loyalty unwavering, and his heart exceptionally big.
A lifelong Baltimore Ravens fan, Eric loved the excitement of football, but his greatest joy came from coaching basketball at JBC. To the young athletes he coached, he was more than a coach, he was a mentor, an encourager, and someone who believed in them both on and off the court. He celebrated their victories, lifted them through their challenges, and quietly helped shape the people they were becoming.
Eric found peace on the water while kayaking, joy in spending time at the beach, and happiness in life’s simple moments with the people he loved. Above all else, he cherished his family and friends. Whether through laughter, conversation, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Eric made every moment count.
He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, compassion, and unwavering love. Though his time here was far too short, the lives he touched and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Eric is survived by his mother, Rhonda Shelton, children Kailee, Sean, and Landon (Izzy), sister Tabitha (Mike), grandma, “Gram” Joann Duncan, nephew, Seth, and nieces Reagan and Kayla. He is preceded in death by his uncles Steve and John Duncan.
Eric’s family invites friends to call on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2pm at the Bogner Life Celebration Center, located across the street from Bogner Family Funeral Home at 36625 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039. A memorial service will begin at 2pm, with fellowship following the service to honor and celebrate Eric’s life until 5pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Coach Eric's Club in Eric’s name at [email protected] or contact their director Joe Seguine on their Facebook page.
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