ZAPATA, TEXAS- With broken hearts and profound sadness, we share the unexpected passing of Eric Daniel Levings, who left this world far too soon on the morning of Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Eric's sudden departure has left an unfillable void in the lives of his beloved wife, Dena, and their three daughters, Tonya, Sabrina, and Gabrielle.

The shock of this loss is immense, and the grief is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Eric spent his life in service to others—as a dedicated Paramedic and Operations Manager across multiple Emergency Services Systems. His heart was always set on helping those in need. In recent years, he found profound purpose working with children with special needs, a role that touched him deeply and brought out the best in his endlessly compassionate spirit.
In his free time, Eric shared his love of cooking and all things food-related with friends and family. Time spent riding his motorcycle was his time away to reflect.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and kindness—survived by his wife, daughters, and eight grandchildren who adored him. Eric's impact extended far beyond his immediate family; his presence lit up every room, and his gentle heart left a mark on everyone he met.

Eric was laid to rest in a quiet, private ceremony surrounded by close family on April 17th in Zapata, Texas.

Though he is no longer with us, his memory lives on in every life he touched. We will carry him in our hearts—always.

Eulogy:

We gather here today with heavy hearts and deep sorrow. None of us expected to be standing here today. Eric's death came without warning, leaving all of us shocked, hurting, and full of questions. And yet, even in our grief, we come together as a family that he shepherded to honor a man and life that meant so much—to remember the love, the laughter, and the light he brought into each of our worlds.

Eric was a loving and devoted husband, a caring and empathetic father, a kind-hearted and compassionate papa, and an amazing example as a father-in-law. His light touched each of us in his unique and jolly way.

Eric was taken from us far too soon. There's no way to prepare for a moment like this. But in our sadness, we cling to the memories that made us smile, the words that lifted us, and the quiet moments that now mean everything.

Today, as we lay his body to rest, we hold on to what cannot be taken—our love for him and the impact they had on our lives.

Charles Dickens said, "The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again." Eric is in everything around us. Over the next weeks, you will remember a comment, a joke, or one of the thousand eccentric things that he did that made him the Eric that touched so many lives.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
— Psalm 34:18

"Let us pause in silence to reflect, to pray, or to simply be still—whatever brings you peace in this moment."

"We now commit the body of Eric Levings to his final resting place.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Though the time with us was far too short, the love he gave was immeasurable.

May he rest in peace.

Thank you for being here to honor Eric. In the days ahead, we must support one another, speak his name often, and carry his memory forward in how we love, live, and look out for one another. He poured into each of us so that we can, in turn, pour into each other. We honor him by living the example that he set before us.

He may be gone from our sight, but he will never be gone from our hearts.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.