Eric Wickens, an Anderson native and local singer, died Saturday, Aug. 12 from a massive heart attack. Eric, a local favorite and official voice of the National Anthem for the Indy Fuel, was again singing the National Anthem last Saturday in Westfield, IN for a regional Little League World Series. Eric walked off the field and collapsed immediately thereafter.
While Eric was a computer programmer by trade, he was best known for his singing. Eric started performing at a young age at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Anderson, IN. He went on to sing in the swing choir at Highland High School and the Glee Club at Purdue University. Well known for his deep, sonorous bass baritone voice, Eric performed in many community productions, including West Side Story, Oklahoma, and Gettysburg. Professionally, Eric was a member of the Indianapolis Opera Chorus, managing director of vocal ensemble Voce, and co-founder of the Lyric Opera (no longer in operation). Eric was honored as the Artist in Residence through the Indiana History Museum, gained much acclaim through his annual Halloween performances at Crown Hill Chapel, and even played a role in the comic horror film Creeporia.
While most classically trained singers head to the coasts in search of success, Eric chose to stay local. As such, he was a frequently requested vocal soloist at numerous churches and venues, e.g., Hoosier Village, the Palladium, and the Indiana Roof. Eric released two recordings Summon the Courage and Comfort, the latter of which can be found on iTunes. Most recently, he began work on a new project about Hoosier Pride, “Back Home Again INdiana,” which was to highlight stories of Hoosiers who left and returned to make their home in Indiana.
Eric is survived by his wife Kelly Wood-Wickens and three-year-old son Quinten “Quincy” Orion, his parents Dan and Pam Wickens, his two sisters Corrine Wickens (spouse Carol Walther), their two children Seth Wickens-Walther and Ian Wickens-Walther, and Catherine Snider and her son Drew Snider. Eric is pre-deceased by his niece, Jordan Snider.
Services will be held Saturday August 19, 2017 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. with service and reception following.
The Wickens family would appreciate the sharing of any video, audio, and images of Eric that you may have. Please send contents to EricWickensMemories@Gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Eric J Wickens Memorial Fund (for Eric’s son). Donations may be sent to any Huntington Bank branch or Huntington National Bank, 11640 Olio Road, Fishers Indiana 46037.
A Celebration of Eric’s life will be held at
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
http://www.stlukesumc.com/
100 West 86th street
Indianapolis
Visitation will be Saturday, August 19,
1-3 pm with a life celebration service immediately following from 3-4 pm
And reception at the church following.
Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the Eric Wickens
Memorial Fund. This fund has been established to provide for his son’s college
education. Anyone can donate at any local Huntington Bank branch or donations can be
mailed to Huntington Bank 11640 Olio Road Fishers, IN 46037.
My love and prayers to the family of Eric Wickens. He was a wonderful young man with so much talent. His voice was beautiful. God must have needed another angel in his choir. Blessings to his wife, son and his parents. Also to all of his friends, he will be missed. Joyce Stoner and family
Thank you for the kind words they are comforting.