Eric Lee Warkentine, 44, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 6th, 2022, of Covid-19.

Eric was born in Wellington, Kansas, on June 3, 1977, a son of Janet (Landes) Warkentine-Marker, and Robert Warkentine.

Eric grew up in Salina, KS, where he was an outstanding athlete, excelling as a Kansas State High School Wrestling Champion. He went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska at Kearny on a scholarship where he earned dual BS degrees in Criminal Justice and French. Eric was an academic scholar and continued his education earning his MBA from the University of Sarasota. He was only a few credits short of a PhD degree.

Eric’s many God given talents included drawing, painting, playing the piano, organ, saxophone & other musical instruments. He could hear a song for the first time, pick up an instrument and play it.

Eric loved to be by the ocean and lived for several years in Sarasota, FL. He loved the great outdoors from swimming to hiking in the mountains. Eric was a night owl like his mom and they loved to stay up late watching movies when they were together.

If anyone ever needed help, Eric was the first to run and help in anyway he could.
Eric was a Loving father, son, brother, and a friend to everyone he met. He had a beautiful smile, a generous heart, and will be dearly missed.

Those left to mourn his passing are his mother, Janet Warkentine-Marker (Larry), of Wilson, Kansas; father, Robert Warkentine (Anne), of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Jason Warkentine (Pam), of Peyton, Colorado; step- sister, Kim (Marker) Unruh (Tim), of McPherson, Kansas; daughter, Jadeyn Warkentine of Sarasota, Florida; son, Bryant Warkentine, of Orlando, Florida; significant other, Lorie Urbanek, of Salina, Kansas; niece Alyssa and nephews Robby and Danny of Peyton, Colorado; numerous loving Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and Friends.

Eric was embraced upon his arrival in Heaven by his recently deceased cousin, Sarah, his grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and cousins

Cremation has been chosen.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 14th, at The Ark Church, 2020 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas. Paul Jordan and John Huseman will be officiating. The family is requesting masks be worn by all in attendance.

In lieu of flowers as a Memorial to Eric, donations may be made to the Jadeyn Warkentine College Scholarship Fund, in care of Wilson State Bank, PO Box 129, Wilson, Kansas 67490, by mail, wire transfer or PayPal.

Charity donations can be made in honor of Eric to the Tim Tebow Foundation.

A Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home service.