Eric Lendell Bennett was born on September 3, 1979, in Maywood, IL, to Jerilyn Adams and the late John L. Bennett at Loyola Hospital.

As the eldest of three siblings on Jerilyn's side and the youngest of three sons on John's side, Eric's childhood was surrounded by a supportive and loving community, proving that it truly takes a village to raise a child.

Jerilyn remembers her firstborn as a sincere and humorous child. Jerilyn smiles and says, " I was blessed to have Jim, his mom—whom we affectionately called 'Sweetheart'—and Miss Epp, his Godmother and babysitter, to help take care of him. Eric was a very charming kid who enjoyed playing with his Nintendo games or skateboarding. One of my funniest moments with Eric was when he was about 4 years old. I had picked him up from his daycare center called the Kangaroo Corner. I noticed he wasn't wearing his coat. I asked him, 'Where's your coat, Eric?' He turned around with both arms up in the air and said, 'I left it on the grass.' He could've won an Oscar with his dramatizations and sincere responses. Those who knew him would tell you that whenever he expressed himself, it was always with emotion. "

After moving from Maywood to Warrenville, Eric accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at Grace Deliverance Church under the leadership of the late Pastor D.L. Thompson. While attending Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Eric proved to be a bright and intelligent teenager. He excelled particularly in his art classes, where he showcased a natural talent for drawing. His teachers were so impressed by his abilities that they continued to speak highly of him even after his graduation.

The middle child and second eldest, Crystal Joy Hardman, remembers her older brother as an incredibly talented child. Reflecting on their childhood, Crystal shares, " Eric was always so talented at drawing. I always admired that about him, and I always tried to copy him. When I got to high school, I would brag about how he was my big brother. He was just so good. In high school, his work was shown at an art show, and he won a prize for it – they put a big bow right next to his picture. I remember that day; I was so proud of him ." Crystal always beams when sharing this story. Eric shined in the arts, with a remarkable ability to draw from memory. He drew portraits of various prominent figures, and created his own personal works that expressed a deeper side of himself. Eric would gift his drawings to the family, beautiful reminders of the appreciation he had for them. Crystal continues, " We went to Europe for the first time together. We visited London and then took the train to Paris. I'm so glad I had that experience with him. "

Eric was well traveled and had visited many countries with friends and family members. Jim Hodapp, who affectionately referred to Eric as his 'God-Sun,' reminisces, " Eric and I went on vacation every summer, from when he was 4 years old until he was 17. When he was 17, we went to Negril, Jamaica and when we returned we visited a Native American Reservation. He was very well-liked there. Those trips bonded Eric and me. We spent time by ourselves and did a lot of talking. "

Curtis Darrell Hardman Jr., the youngest of the three, fondly recalls one of his favorite memories of his older brother, " I remember when Eric and Mom got me my first Super Nintendo for Christmas. It's because of him that I fell in love with gaming. " Eric held on to his childlike nature, but was also remarkably intelligent and had wisdom on many things. Curtis says, " I loved our deep conversations. Eric really did love philosophy. We bonded over shared perspectives and differences. "

Eric was a beloved son, brother, and friend to many. He inspired those around him with his acts of support, his sense of humor, and his kindness. Even though his physical body has passed on, his energy and spirit are deeply felt and appreciated by all who experienced him.

Eric Lendell Bennett ran his race and went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2025. He leaves behind his mother, Jerilyn Hardman; his sister, Crystal Joy Hardman; his youngest brother, Curtis Darrell Hardman Jr.; his older brother, Christopher Bennett; his second oldest brother, John L. Bennett Jr.; and a host of relatives and close family friends.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Hardman family would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation all the prayers, phone calls, thoughts, kind words, comforting messages, lovely cards, flowers and other expressions of love, which were extended to us to console our hearts.

SPECIAL THANKS:
I want to pay a special tribute to Jim Hodapp, who took care of Eric as if he were his own. His love and care for Eric were authentic and real, and he showed it by providing him with the best of everything. Family and friends saw firsthand how deeply Jim loved Eric. Thank you, Jim, and may God's blessings overtake you. Well done!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family via text "1890074" To (347) 407-8808