Eric Charles Denton

Eric was born on December 7, 1985 to Brian Denton and Nancy (Rau) Denton in Westerville, Ohio. He was one of three children, born after Jennifer and Brian, Jr. From his earliest days, Eric demonstrated the sense of humor, mischief, kindness and caring that would characterize him for the rest of his life. While growing up, Eric brought joy and laughter to his family every day. After Eric graduated from Watkins Memorial High School in 2004, he went on to study computer engineering at DeVry University and graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree.

After graduation, Eric worked various jobs before he started his job at AEP as a reliability coordinator in 2011, kick-starting a 13-year career in grid operations. In 2017, he and his family moved to Columbia, South Carolina to work at SCE&G, now Dominion Energy.

In 1996, Eric met Ashley Johnson in the elementary school gifted program. The two were good friends throughout school. Eric and Ashley started dating in 2007 after they re-connected on Myspace. They shared nachos and Heinekens at Hound Dogs in Columbus, Ohio for their first date on October 30, 2007 and were inseparable from that moment onward. They married on October 12, 2012, surrounded by family and friends, and altogether they shared 17 happy years together. Eric and Ashley were partners in the truest sense of the word; they shared life’s burdens as well as life’s joys. Together they were travel buddies, DIY home repair newbies, video game teammates, dog parents, chef and sous, and most of all, deeply in love.

Eric was passionate about many things. He loved sports cars and purchasing his 2015 world rally blue WRX was a proud moment in his life. He could often be seen either detailing his car or driving it too fast. Eric loved video games and shared this passion on a podcast called Pixels Per Minute with one of his best friends. He was passionate about music, with discerning and diverse taste. But more than any other band, a love of Ween was tattooed on his heart and was the soundtrack of his life, as well as a common thread throughout his cherished group of childhood friends. He loved to be outdoors hiking - he dedicated many sunny days in South Carolina hiking through swamps and trails enjoying the beautiful scenery this part of the country has to offer. Eric loved his dogs, Oliver and Otto, and whiled away afternoons cuddling them, training them, and providing for them - and took thousands of photos with them. But of all the passions and interests Eric shared, most notable is the interest and love he demonstrated to those he cared about. Eric was kind, thoughtful, caring, and generous to everyone he encountered.

Eric was predeceased by grandparents, George, Sr. and Sarah Denton & Frank and Betty Rau; step-grandfather, Dave Rau; and great-grandmother, Clara Schultz. He is survived by his large and loving family who miss him very much: his wife, Ashley Denton; his father, Brian Denton, Sr., and mother, Nancy Rau. Forever remembered by his siblings: sister, Jennifer Orr and her husband Greg Orr; as well as his brother, Brian Denton, Jr. and his wife, Angelica Denton. His playful presence will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews: Kaleb, Jade, Isaac, Xavier, Eli, Makenna, Kyle, Mady, and Lola. Eric is also loved and remembered by many friends whose lives he has touched along the way.

For family and friends near South Carolina, a Celebration of Life will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29201, on Friday, February 16 from 3:00 PM -7:00 PM. For those who are near Ohio, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Wesleyan Church, 161 Myrtle Ave, Newark, OH 43055, on Tuesday, February 20th from 4:00 PM -7:00 PM. The family expresses their gratitude for all the support shown and marks of kindness at this difficult time.