Eric James Custer

URBANA - Always the helper and the hero, "Eric James Custer, May 20, 1994, Downsize Farm … may I help you?"passed the torch of life to four transplant recipients on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Despite the prayerful and loving support of emergency and hospital medical staff, friends and family, Eric succumbed to the effects of a choking incident a week earlier.

He is survived by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Roberta (Midge) Custer, Woodstock; brothers Michael (and Tammie) Custer, Elk Mound, WI; Levi James Custer, Woodstock, sister Roberta "Bobbi" (and Jacob/daughter Aubrielle ) McKee, Mechanicsburg and their foster daughter, Kaelin Lewis; 5 nephews Zach and Cody Custer, Elk Mound, Sam, Seth and Corran Church, Apex, NC. Eric leaves his legacy with many other relatives, friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his brother Gabriel "Gabe" Custer in 2006.

Along with his "twin" brother Levi, Eric was the inspiration for Downsize Farm, a Champaign County service provider for adults with developmental disabilities. Currently directed by his sister, Bobbi McKee, the staff and friends at Downsize Farm daily encountered Eric's wit, pranks and charm and can readily relay their accounts of personal "eric"isms. A special note of affection goes out to Eric's sweetheart Hannah. Eric was born to be a Buckeye, playing his drums to the beat of the OSU Marching Band, highlighted by a recent trip to the Shoe with fellow Triad alums Danny and Kasey. A medalist for Champaign County at the 2023 State Special Olympics in power lifting, Eric also was an integral part of the team at Urbana Pizza Hut, and nobody outdid the deep-dish dignity he received there. A color book artist by day, but a super hero ready to respond to any emergency at the hint of need, Eric had a uniform to fit the occasion and a corresponding flair to fill the role. His self-pronounced brother Jesse McKee has posted a tribute to Eric that expresses the depth of joy that he rooted in many relationships. Jacob McKee, Eric's brother-in-law, has graced all of us with his insightful observations, ready support and tender thoughtfulness from the moment we heard of the incident.

Eric had a genuine faith in Jesus and his spontaneous exclamation to anything positive was "Praise the Lord God Jesus!" Although he was unable to read, Eric would transcribe Bible verses in his notebook and was often moved to tears when listening to his favorite songs. Our thanks go out to many friends, pastors, relatives and other believers who have modeled and sang their faith with joy and earnestly prayed for him during the last week of his life as we knew it. We especially thank our friends at the Urbana Grace Church in their immediate efforts to assist Eric at the YMCA. We invite all who are able to attend to join us in a reflection of his life and an expression of the joy of our faith. The familiar tune Carmen Ohio, made famous by the Buckeye Band, was drawn from the 1843 hymn Come Christians Join to Sing. We urge you to look up the lyrics and join us in this song as a theme of remembrance of his life.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 at the Urbana Nazarene Church. Funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 in the church with UGC Pastor Jordan Millice officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Live Stream will be available on the Vernon Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 11:55 a.m.

Plans have been initiated to sponsor a Champaign County Buddy Walk and Champaign Night to Shine in Eric's memory. Donations may be made to Downsize Farm.

Arrangements entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.