Eric C. Bradner

Eric C Bradner, 59, of Metamora, was taken from us suddenly on Sunday afternoon, January 5, at Flower Hospital. Eric was born in Columbus Ohio, on January 5, 1966, and was adopted as an infant by David and Elizabeth Bradner. At home, Eric joined his brothers David and Brian. A few years later, they were all blessed with a 4th brother, Mike. Growing up, the boys were very close. 

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Amber (Zach) Heuerman; step-sons, Chad (Tara) Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Elbert (Elizabeth) Hollstein and Kit Hollstein; brothers, Brian (Colette) Bradner, Mike (Kelly) Bradner and Damien (Lisa) McInnis; birth Mother, Ellen Hill; siblings, Bo (Nanette) Reid, Becky Harris, Jackie (Tom) Bortel and Kimberly (Shawn) Sewell; 6 grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eric was preceded in death by his son, Devin Bradner and parents, David and Elizabeth Bradner.

Around the age of 10, Eric's parents had him tested due to characteristics that were developing differently than the other boys. He tested with an IQ near genius levels, which would explain much of what shaped his life. Eric would naturally study and master everything he did, sometimes to a fault. It was hard for him to let go or accept help on his endeavors, no matter how big.

Eric attended Christ the King elementary, and High School at St. Francis De Sales. While there, he worked on the school newspaper and created and had published his own award winning comic strip. Eric's grades were maintained perfectly but his composure was not. Nearing graduation, the school politely asked him to leave. He enrolled himself into Start High school to graduate early, then took a hiatus to San Diego in search of the California Dream. When talking about this time in his life, his friends referred to him as “Diego Eric”. He worked for a short time doing some illustration for a children’s book before his return.

Once back to Ohio, Eric settled into life. He took up hobbies like sky diving, and dirt track racing. He continued to learn guitar, and always had a passion for music. He was involved with the theatre, where he did costumes and special effects, as well as sound and lighting for shows and band stages. He married and had 2 children, Devin and Amber. Eric enrolled at Owens Community College, to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. With his family growing, Eric's grade slipped below his perfect 4.0, and this pressure discouraged him to the point of leaving school and putting all his efforts into providing for his family. This didn’t stop him from obtaining work in the engineering field. He continued to self-teach and gained hands on training from companies like Sponseller Group, and GFC. He subcontracted work to Libbey Glass for several years until they eventually hired him on as a full-time employee. Eric worked for Libbey for 20+ years as an exceptionally talented self-taught engineer and was considered a specialist in several different areas of glass production. 

In 2007, Eric married his current wife, Carol, and gained 4 more children, for a total of 1 daughter and 5 boys, changing his mostly perfectly organized life into chaos. 2 of the boys were mostly grown, and 2 needed raising. Eric was open to this chaos and welcomed the challenge. He took pride in providing for his new large family. Together, they enjoyed music, playing drums, and playing guitar. Especially his son Devin who had exceptional talent with music and somehow also played several instruments. Eric created a soundproof music studio in the shop and built them a full-size half pipe for skateboarding. Eric was always intent on providing and of course, perfecting, all that he built.

In 2023, Eric was reunited with his birth mother, Ellen. It was a huge surprise to learn that she lived close by. Eric was in disbelief to learn he also had a brother, and 3 sisters. All his siblings live in Ohio, and they have had a very short time together, but they quickly became close. They were a blessing to Eric that he never expected. 

Inseparable, Eric and Carol took up together the hobbies of hunting, boating, and fishing on Lake Erie. They returned for a time to dirt track racing, which is where they originally met and became friends, several years before they were married. Eric was a loving, passionate, and loyal person, friend, and husband, never allowing himself credit for all that he did for others, or all he achieved. 

As Eric re-unites with his son Devin, his biggest prayer and hope in life, here he will be eternally loved and incredibly missed.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora, where services will begin at 1:00 p.m.

A celebration of life will immediately follow the service at the Catholic War Veterans Hall in Assumption.