Eric Bumgardner

Loving husband, father, outdoorsman, and storyteller, Eric Bumgardner, 57, of Williamstown, passed away suddenly on June 28, 2018. He was born May 15, 1961 to the late Donald and Lois Bumgardner. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Matthew. He leaves behind his loving wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Bumgardner, his son Ryan (Brent Welch) and daughter Susan, his sisters Cheryl (Earl) Riley, Vicki (Terry) Wilson, Linda (Susan) Holley-McCombs, brother-in-law Robert (Jeanna) Belcher, several nieces and nephews, and close friends Dan Yoke and Linda Steele. Eric graduated from Wahama High School and the West Virginia Institute of Technology. He was employed by the Parkersburg Utility Board for 30 years, serving as Chief Operator of the Water Department and Assistant Manager of the Utility Board, from which he recently retired. Eric enjoyed canoeing, camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with those he loved. If you knew him, he most certainly made you laugh. He had the comedic gift of a man who could turn a mundane story into an epic tale of adventure. He was a good listener, gave sound advice, and so became a pillar of strength to all who knew him. He was fair, and kind. He was the backbone of his family, a loyal friend, and a good man. A casual celebration of Eric’s life will be held at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home in Vienna, WV on Tuesday July 3, 2018 from 5-8pm.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Masonic Medical Research Institute for continued advancements in the fight against heart disease.