Eric First

Eric “Pork” First, 39, of Stevensville passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 30, 2007, at his home. A celebration of his life service will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow in Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00PM – 8:00 PM Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for the children’s’ educational Fund. Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so in the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com Eric was born on October 12, 1967 in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Richard & Suzanne (Shew) First. He was a graduate of Lakeshore High School. He married Debbie Sartin on November 26, 1993, at Zion UCC in St. Joseph. Eric was co/owner of First and Haak Concrete. He was assistant wrestling coach at Lakeshore High School for 15 years and he enjoyed cooking and cheering on the Pittsburg Steelers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and a friend who would give you his shirt off his back. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Stevensville; three children, Alan (Holly) McCoy of St. Joseph, Alex First and Seth First at home; a granddaughter Carley McCoy; his father Richard First of Stevensville, mother Suzanne of Stevensville; a sister, Renee Carlson of Stevensville; a nephew, Kyle Carlson; and a grandmother Jean Shew of Grandhaven, MI.