Eric D. DeRudder, 60, of Lafayette, passed away unexpectedly at 3:10 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2017 at St. Elizabeth East in Lafayette.

He was born November 6, 1956 in Bloomington, Indiana to the late Dr. Ronald Dean and Patricia (Mahin) DeRudder and was a 1975 graduate of Frontier High School.

His marriage was to Rachael (Gray) Grindstaff on November 19, 1999 in French Lick, Indiana; she survives.

Eric was a home builder, specialty contractor and a reconstructionist of homes. He was an excellent stone mason and a gifted artist of fine metals and knives.

An outdoorsman at heart, Eric loved hunting of all types. He was an Elk hunting guide in New Mexico but had also hunted in Africa, Canada and several US states. He also loved looking for mushrooms and has a large arrowhead collection.

Surviving is his wife and best friend, Rachael; a daughter, Skye Dispennett (husband: Bryan) of Lafayette; grandchildren, Tyler (fiancé: Kayla), Connor and Cassie Dispennett. Also surviving is a sister, Erin Anliker and two nephews, Chris and Joshua (wife: Jessie) Anliker and a great-nephew, Robert Anliker, all of Brookston.

Eric loved spending time with his family and had a special bond with his wife’s parents. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Lorraine Gray of Camden.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his father-in-law, Merle Gray.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral services 2 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017 also at the funeral home; Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. Interment to follow in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Almost Home Humane Society of Lafayette or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com