Erik Southards

Erik Southards, a man beloved by all, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Erik was born on October 16, 1989, to Dennis and Cynthia Southards. Being born and raised in St. Louis, MO, he was a dyed-in-the-wool St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved baseball, avidly followed his team, and enjoyed participating in fantasy leagues with his friends. Whether it be his beat-up Cards hat, his Cards cup he carried everywhere, or his Cards bobbleheads, he was always proud to claim and support his roots. Erik’s number one love, however, was Jesus Christ. His faith was not just a central part of his life; it defined who Erik was. He put his faith in Christ as his Savior when he was a five-year-old boy. Growing up, he loved going to church and serving in Awana Clubs when he became a teenager. He was called to preach at Sagmont Youth Camp in Joplin, MO in the summer of 2005, and later graduated from Providence Baptist College with a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology. Erik often mentioned the great spiritual impact made upon his life by his Grandfather and Grandmother Noblin. His Grandfather was a Gospel preacher for many years, and his grandmother made sure to instill in Erik a love for God, truth, and church. This made him a tremendous pastor. He was not tremendous because he was able to wear many hats successfully; it was because he loved people. He cared for their souls and wanted them to know Christ. He had a passionate desire to help people and be a blessing to them. He had a special compassion for anyone who may have felt cast out by others. He would pick up the phone, send a text, or simply carry on a conversation with anyone that came to his mind or just dropped by to talk. His love for others was evident, but all those who knew him could quickly notice his deep love and affection for his family. Erik and Jessica were married December 17, 2011. Erik and Jessica fostered and cared for dozens of children and were a great blessing not only to the children in their time of need, but also to many of their families. They are incredibly proud of their four amazing children – Gabe, Addie, Jack, and Emma. Any office, room, or device of Erik’s was sure to be filled with pictures of his family. He loved them and spoke of them often. His wife and children were the greatest and most cherished part of his life. Erik was known for going above and beyond to meet any of their needs and spend time with them. He always wanted to take them with him on the many church and youth trips he would lead. They made many sweet memories together that will be forever held dear, and he will be remembered as a wonderful, godly husband and father who led his family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Erik is remembered by his parents for his sweet, helpful personality as a child, which extended into his adult years. He was a son who was always there, willing to help, ready to listen, and eager to be a blessing. He brought them great joy as they witnessed him develop into a faithful man of God who genuinely lived out his faith and into a doting husband and father who led his family with a strong, gentle spirit. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Erik had a strong sense of brotherhood, which he developed from growing up with his three brothers. The love and loyalty of their brotherhood were values that he carried with him through life as he became a “brother” to many other men through his mentorship and friendship. His wife’s family loved him as one of their own. Jessica’s parents, Mike and Christine Richter, will miss his steady, faithful spirit. His humor and laugh always brightened the room with joy. He loved to tease and be teased. His sister-in-law, Dawn Richter, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brad and Amy Braudis, along with their children, Jenna, Kaelyn, Jackson, and Karter, were privileged to know and love him through the many years they spent together. Erik was a member of and served on staff at several churches throughout his life, most recently at Bible Baptist Church in Radcliff, KY, where he served for over 10 years. He did not simply want to work at a church. He loved working with people. He wanted to serve, help, encourage, strengthen, and be whatever was needed by God or those around him. He was deeply beloved by his church family, and he will always be missed. There are no words to describe the longing in their hearts for their dear friend and co-laborer for Christ. Heaven will be a grand reunion. Because of his faith, character, and ability, Erik was successful in many areas. He had most recently become the Bank Manager at The Cecilian Bank in Elizabethtown, KY. He was very excited about the opportunity and quickly came to love and be loved by the people there. To know Erik was to love Erik. He was kind, loyal, friendly, calm, strong, dependable, faithful, and good. He would listen to you, laugh with you, talk with you, and encourage you. He would drop everything and rush to your aid. He exhibited the love of Christ to others. He made his Savior proud. This man will be remembered for his faith, his character, his love, his service, his humor, his principles, and his friendship. Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Erik is survived by his wife – Jessica Southards; his children – Gabriel, Addie, Jack, and Emma; his parents – Dennis and Cynthia Southards; his brothers – Ryan Southards (partner Leanne), Drew Southards (wife Fabiola, daughter Layla, and sons Luca and Liam), and twin brother Alex Southards; his uncles and aunts – Lyndell and Linda Southards, Terry and Angie Southards, Rick and Jackie Walker; his nephew, Tyler Southards, and family, Abby, Ryleigh, and Brynleigh. He was preceded in death by his grandparents – John and Loretta Southards, Reverend Jack and Irene Noblin; his aunt – Debra Cowick. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., in the gymnasium of Bible Baptist Church, 156 Shelby Avenue, Radcliff, KY. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Nelson-Edelen-Bennett Funeral Home in Radcliff will be handling local arrangements. Graveside Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the New Hope Cemetery, Salem, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Erik’s family. To donate you may go to the church homepage at www.biblebaptistky.com; https://ppay.co/bDo6sdi42tl; or mail to Bible Baptist Church, c/o Southards Family, 156 Shelby Avenue, Radcliff, KY 40160.

Erik Southards

October 16, 1989 - September 10, 2026