Eric O. Risner, 79, of McDermott, Ohio passed away Friday, June 4, 2004.  Eric was born January 25, 1925 in Whitesburg, Kentucky and moved with his parents to West Portsmouth in 1939.  He was a graduate of Portsmouth West High School and a World War II veteran, serving in the Navy from 1943 to 1946.

He was employed in the construction industry most of his career and a member of the Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 232 for which he served as Business Agent until his retirement in 1988.

Eric was a devoted civic leader in his community serving 16 years as trustee for Washington Township, while also holding membership in the Tri State Building Trades Council, Shawnee Council, U.C.T. Council, Ohio Conference of Plasterers and Cement Masons, Nauvoo Lodge #769, West Portsmouth Business Club, the ACACIA Club,  and a life long member of the American Legion.  He was an avid supporter of the Youth Baseball Organization and Recreational Facilities for the youth of West Portsmouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents Norman T. Risner (1979) and Edna Pearl Risner (1990), and sisters Eloise Davis (1961) and Eunice Seison (2001).

He is survived by his two sisters and brothers-in-law Sharon and Paul Reiser of Friendship and Wylodine and Robert Jones of McDermott.  He is also survived by four children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild:  Stephen and Deborah Risner of Vandalia, Ohio and sons Ryan and Seth;  Rodney and Naia Risner of Friendship and daughter Elizabeth (husband Jason) sons Adam (wife Jennifer), Jacob and David; Mark and Connie Risner of McDermott and son Jay and daughter Jessica; Jennifer (Risner) Davis of Columbus and sons Nathan and Evan.  His great grandson, Benjamin Paul Naber, is  the son of granddaughter Elizabeth and husband Jason Naber of Columbus. Eric is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in the Portsmouth area.

Funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Reverend Roy Fannin officiating and interment in Memorial Burial Park.  Graveside Military rites will be given by the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion.  Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 5 to 8 P.M. on Monday and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.  A Masonic Service by Nauvoo Masonic Lodge 769 will be held at 8 P.M Monday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Ohio.  Condolences may be sent to