Eric SORTE

Eric John Sorte, 77, of Greenacres, Washington, passed away on July 9, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Eric was born on January 6, 1948, to parents, Harold and Virginia Sorte in Spokane, Washington. He was the fourth of five children.

Eric graduated from Shadle High School in 1966. He joined the U.S. Army in 1968 and served as Medical Specialist (Combat Medic). He served for over two years of continuous in-country service in Vietnam. He earned several medals of distinction, including a Bronze Star medal with Valor. He was highly valued during his time in Vietnam but was known to turn down promotions in rank because he preferred to work in field. After Vietnam, he moved back to Spokane and worked at Conoco and Chevron, where he went to school for mechanics in 1974. In 1985, Eric opened Eric's Auto Repair in the Garland district where he worked until retirement in 2015.

While working for Greyhound Bus Lines, he met his future wife of 45 years, Donna Oulman. They were married on November 7, 1980. Eric was a loving husband to Donna and a devoted father to their children, Marcy, Olivia, and Ben. Whenever he wasn't working, he was spending time with his family. Weekends were spent playing tennis, going for bike rides, bowling, playing card games, going swimming and to water parks, and going to the movies. Every vacation was a family vacation. Eric was "Papa" to nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. As a grandfather, he excelled and was dearly loved. He was always up for outings, late night ER visits, after school pick up, or ballet lessons.

Eric was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ and lived out his faith by serving those around him and giving generously to those in need. As with many men of his generation, his faith was reserved, and he preferred to go without anyone noticing his service. But you could find him most mornings quietly reading his leather Bible and spending time in prayer. He faithfully took care of his family and extended family. He was the person you could call any time, day or night. He treated his customers the same way and many of them became friends, sometimes just coming in for hours to talk just because they were lonely.

Eric will always be remembered for his deep love for his family, his selfless services to those he loved most, his easy smile, his fun-loving personality, and his ability to fix almost any problem.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Virginia Sorte; and by his sisters, Linda Turner and Joyce Stites.

Eric is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Marcy Scott and Olivia Payne (Andrew); son, Benjamin Sorte; grandchildren, Caleb, Mercie, Emery, Nathan, Cayden, Calleigh, Owen, Eden, and Elena; great-grandson, Zakia; brother, Michael Sorte; sister, Claire Phillips; cousins, Tim Ross and Larry Ross; and other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Valley Real Life Church, 1831 S. Barker Road, Greenacres, Washington, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 6 PM.

To share memories of Eric and to leave condolences for his family, please visit his tribute page at www.hennesseyfh.com.