Eric Richard Dunlap

Eric Richard Dunlap, 55, of Jefferson City, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, at University Hospital in Columbia, with his wife and daughter lovingly by his side.

Born January 21, 1971, in Camden, New Jersey, Eric was the son of Richard Dunlap and Remi Lopez. On June 7, 2013, he married the love of his life, Nanci Melinda Nikodym, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with love, devotion, laughter, and shared adventures.

Eric spent much of his childhood in Arkansas, where frequent moves meant attending several different elementary schools. Through every transition, he carried a resilient spirit and an ability to adapt with grace. Life settled into a steadier rhythm when he reached high school, and it was during this time that he was accepted into Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School—a place where his talents and curiosity were able to take root and flourish.

Eric approached life with joy, curiosity, and an unwavering appreciation for the people around him. His career included many years in the airline and airport industry, followed by work in transportation logistics. No matter the role, Eric valued the relationships he built and treated everyone with respect, kindness, and humor.

A man of faith, Eric was a member of First Baptist Church. Raised in the Churches of Christ, he carried a strong personal relationship with God throughout his life.

Eric was loved deeply by his wife, daughters, and extended family. He carried a quick wit, a bright mind, and a heartfelt appreciation for life’s simple joys. With an easygoing, fun‑loving spirit, he embraced each day as a gift. He delighted in traveling, catching a movie, browsing shops, tackling puzzles and games, eating good food, and laughing through even the worst reality TV. His talent for remembering movie lines, music lyrics, and trivia made him the person everyone hoped to have on their team.

Sports were a lifelong passion. Eric enjoyed running cross-country in High School. Eric cherished coaching his daughter’s volleyball team, enjoyed playing golf, and was an enthusiastic fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Philadelphia Eagles football. “Fly, Eagles Fly” captured not only his team spirit but his zest for living fully and joyfully.

Eric was devoted to his wife, daughters, and son-in-law, caring for them with a tenderness that met each of their needs in just the right way. His love showed up in everyday moments—steady, warm, and full of encouragement. He treasured time with his extended family as well, especially his nine nieces and nephews, whom he adored. He celebrated their accomplishments with genuine pride and was always ready to cheer them on, offering the same wholehearted support he gave to those closest to him.

Eric is survived by his wife, Nanci; his daughters, Makenna Dunlap of Columbia and Hannah (Joe) Prophet of Jefferson City; and his sisters, Michelle Dunlap and Pepper Palamar. He is also survived by his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, David and Sue Nikodym and his siblings-in-law, Dawn Perkins (Scott), Jason Nikodym (Katie), and Joshua Nikodym (Jaclyn), and his nieces and nephews, Naomi, Ella, Marli, Jackson, Emeri, Emilie, Jamos, Adalei, and Juna. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Melissa Hatfield officiating.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com

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