FORTVILLE– Eric Lee Whitis, age 50, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield.  Born on October 28, 1958, he was the son of Forrest and Gail (Smith) Whitis.  Eric worked for various companies as a trim carpenter over the years and had also worked at Triple AAA Cycle on cars and motorcycles.  He was also a member of Sugarcreek Baptist Church in New Palestine, Indiana, and was formerly a member of the U.S. Navy.

Surviving him are his parents, Forrest and Gail (Smith) Whitis of Fortville; daughter, LaTia (Eric Goodpaster) Whitis of Indianapolis; sisters, Shannon (Randy) Chappell of Fortville and Tricia (Dana) Weidemann of LaGrange, Texas; two grandchildren, Kaela and Kyler Harris;  nieces and nephews, J.R., Amber, Jammie, Christy, Amanda, Sammantha, and Dalton; and many aunts and uncles.  Eric is preceded in death by his brother, Randy D. Whitis.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 19, 2009, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary in Fortville.  Funeral services will take place on Friday, February 20, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the mortuary.  Gary Tidd will be officiating and burial will take place at Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Liver Foundation with envelopes available at the mortuary.  Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or e-mail condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com. 

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