Eric Leon Longenecker,

Eric Leon Longenecker, 49, Southlake, Texas and Syracuse, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. He was born on April 29, 1971 in El Paso, Texas, to Chester D. “Chet” and Tonda L. (Tiedge) Longenecker.

He graduated in 1989 from Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas. He formerly lived in South Bend. He lived most of his life in Texas and summered in Syracuse. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Grapevine, Texas.

Eric was a son, brother, nephew, and cousin. He was lovingly thought of as a gentle giant by all.

He is survived by his parents: Chet and Tonda Longenecker, Southlake, Texas; brother, Jason Longenecker of Southlake, Texas; great aunts: Norma Longenecker and Patti Longenecker; aunts and uncles: Col. John (Joyce) Longenecker, Dr. James (Judy) Longenecker, Janet Hagedorn, and Robert Tiedge; cousins: Laura (Gary) Ottenweller, Leah (Dan) Gabrek, Lynn (Dr. Jeff Meyers) Schafer, Dr. Brett (Polly) Hagedorn, Jenny (Mike) Wenzel, Lori Keresztes, and Sara (Chris) Smith

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carl and Helen Tiedge, paternal grandparents: Jack and Neva Longenecker, and loving uncle, Dr. Lloyd Hagedorn.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Owen Family Funeral Home SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. on Saturday in the Oswego Cemetery with Pastor Harlan Steffen officiating.

Preferred may be given to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, 4900 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016. To send condolences to the family of Eric Longenecker, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com