Eric Levi Zent, 32, of Hudson, Indiana died as the result of an auto accident on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Cedar Canyons and Coldwater Road in Huntertown.

He was born June 29, 1994, in Columbia City, Indiana. He was raised by his grandparents, Jerry and Lula (Gaff) Zent. They preceded him in death.

He married Samantha Boots on May 29, 2015, in LaGrange.

Eric honorably served in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he worked as a truck driver at Hudson Logistics in Hudson. He worked for multiple trucking companies with his dog, Sky Ann. He also hauled grain in his off time.

He was someone who could fix just about anything. If he didn’t know how to fix something, he would teach himself how. He loved tinkering, learning new things, and working with his hands. In his free time, he enjoyed playing trucking and farming simulator games, camping, fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors, his guns and spending time with his family.

Eric had a heart for helping others and would drop everything to lend a hand to someone in need. He especially loved the Boots family farm, where he spent many happy hours and made countless memories.

Above all else, he was a devoted and loving father. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, teaching them new things, and watching them learn and grow. He was a very doting dad who cherished every moment with his kids. His kids were his world.

Surviving are his wife, Samantha Zent of Hudson; his son, Stone Roger Clyde Zent, 10 years old; a daughter, Ember Lynn Maxine Zent, 6 years old; his biological father, William (Hattie) Hamman of Wawaka; ten siblings, Matthew Hamman of Wawaka, Angel (Dalton Jones) Zent of Kendallville, Heather Zent, Aaron “Dale” Disinger of Columbia City, Emma Stahl, Lester Stahl, Joshua (Jennifer) Hicks of Ligonier, Amanda (Mark) Dill of Ligonier, Emily Hamman of Kendallville, and Alyson (fiancé, Gabe) Shepherd-Hamman of Columbia City; a niece and nephew, Autumn and Lucas; his in-laws, Mark Clyde and Diana Lynn (Wolff) Boots of Wolcottville; two sisters-in-law, Jenna (David) Johnston of Albion and their children, Maddi, Kohlbee, and Dean, and Jessica (Roger Martin) Schocke of Kendallville and their son, Jaxxin; an aunt who was more like a mom, Brenda Salge of Pennsylvania; his dog, Sky Ann; and multiple other nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arliss and Frances Jean Hamman; and a brother-in-law, Joshua H. Boots.

Visitation will be Monday, September 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stroh Church of Christ, 4540 S 1100 W, Hudson.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, beginning at 1 p.m. at the church with Pastor Mike Hamm officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodruff Cemetery near Wolcottville.

Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Navy.

Preferred memorials are to the family.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville is assisting the family with arrangements.

View a video tribute or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com