Ethan Edward Emerson Eagle Erhart (Kelley)

Ethan Edward Emerson Eagle Erhart (Kelley) was born at 8:51am on Friday, September 14th, 2001 at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass Valley, California. His beautiful light was extinguished on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 resulting from a vehicle collision on his way home from work. He went to Perry High School in Perry, New York and worked at Daryl’s Pizzeria until the summer of 2019 when he moved with his family to Jackson, Tennessee. He began working at Kirkland’s Warehouse in Jackson where he was remembered for his hard work and positive attitude. In September, 2022, Ethan accepted a position as a Solar Technician with Power Electronics following his pursuit of all things gadgety. He relocated to Lafayette, Indiana to pursue his new career. At work, he was known for never complaining. He was loved by his coworkers for his intellect, strong work ethic, and get it done attitude. There was no challenge he couldn’t face and no task he didn’t give 100% to. His friends called him “Moose” and his siblings called him “Bubba”. To his mom, he was her little astronaut and their words were “I love you to the moon and back”.
He was a perfect force of pure goodness in a dark world and proud to be called a “mama’s boy”. He loved mom’s cooking, especially banana bread and rosemary chicken. He made fast friends and was so easygoing that people were always drawn to his sweet nature and good humor. Compassionate, generous, thoughtful, kind, and funny. He was a great man, son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend, and human. He was patient and gave the most amazing hugs. He generously gave of time and love for others. He would grow out his hair and, every two years, he would donate his beautiful mane to foundations who made wigs for cancer patients. He loved to wear pink and thought that only real tough guys could pull off pink. His favorite color combination was black, red, and white. He was seen daily wearing his Dr. Who belt that looked like a seatbelt, a polo shirt, and American Eagle jeans. Ethan loved to learn how things worked and spent time creating designs with his 3D printing machine. He loved computers and online gaming with his friends. He also had a love of motorcycles and was planning on purchasing a new street bike to road trip to New Jersey with friends this coming summer. He loved Star Wars, martial arts, and going to the movies. He started shooting competitions with his mom when he was 12 and got his own rifle for his 18th birthday. He played the clarinet, guitar, and piano. He was an old soul with an eclectic taste in music – classic instrumental, rock, and more. He liked Styx, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Rob Zombie, Rascal Flatts, and gaming music. He liked to travel with his family on their Adventure Kru trips to San Francisco, Ft Bragg, Boston, DC, and cross country. He loved eating his Philly Cheese Steak in Philadelphia and visiting the Edgar Allan Poe house who was his favorite writer. He liked to play baseball and tennis. He volunteered regularly with his mom and as a Peer Mentor for Growing Peace Camp, Teen Space, and Youth Rising. He was always a role model for those around him and his siblings. He liked carpet picnics with his cousins and game nights at home with Uno. He enjoyed camping and shooting his bolt action Mosin Nagant at the Range in Jackson.
Ethan was known for his simple, chaos-free, good vibes only lifestyle and had an easy temperament. He was an authentic young man who was self-aware and secure in who he was. He didn’t care about negative peer pressure or fitting in and he was always surrounded by people who adored him. He was a very dedicated family man and shared indescribably close relationships with his parents Melissa and Kris and his siblings, brother Noah (15), and sisters MariAbigail (18) and MaeRose (11). He was always available to go around the block to help his paternal grandparents Jerry & Linda with chores, computer fixes, and those magical hugs. He loved the 4th of July and always helped his dad and Uncle Eric set up elaborate fireworks displays. He is survived by his parents, siblings, fiancé (Susana), aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. He is remembered and was loved by too many people to list. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Tim (2019) and Corinne (2021), Uncle David (2016), Aunt Tammy (2022) and his beloved cat, Dexter (2023).
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023. A July 4th Remembrance event is being planned for those who wish to join.