The Richmond News, Sept. 18, 2026

ERIC LEE VAN OSTER

Eric Lee Van Oster 54, a resident of Rayville, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at his home. Eric was born July 4, 1972, in Richmond, the son of Lee Roy and Thelma Carline (Kinney) Van Oster. He was survived by his mother, Thelma Carline Van Oster, daughters, Anna (Joey) Cummings and Hayley Van Oster, two brothers, James (Cindy) Van Oster and Shawn (Angel) Van Oster, three grandchildren, and bonus daughter, Destiny (Dylan) Deornellis as well as a bonus grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Roy Van Oster, and his son, Austin Lee Van Oster.

Eric was a man that everyone knew as soon as he stepped into a room and if you didn’t know him you were getting ready to. He was very loud and unapologetically himself. A man of many words and even more friends he knew no stranger. He built his company VanOster Construction from the ground up and earned his title as “Trim God.” A master story teller, stories that you wouldn’t believe but he always had someone to back it up to prove “I ain’t lyin ask…”! Eric was also a world class coon hunter and well known black and tan breeder, but he would tell you the best dog he ever had was “Sweetness” his runt of the litter golden doodle. Eric had the best goat herd all around, even raising up the best nanny named “Tick” who was more of a dog than a goat, who earned her right to eat her dinner right off the front porch! He truly was one of a kind the good lord himself could not have cloned him. We will miss him forever. His memory will never be forgotten as we can all still hear him as he walks into a room yelling something silly like “Yoo-hoo” or something provocative!

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, please contact the family for details.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the donor’s choice in Eric’s memory. You can leave or mail contributions to Thurman Funeral Home 507 East Main St/P.O. Box 190 Richmond, MO 64085.

Please visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to leave memories for the family.