Eric Berman Obituary

Eric Berman, 67, passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on October 12, 2021, in his Lawrence, Kansas, home surrounded by his close family.

He was born January 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Hannelore Zellmann and Raoul Berman.

His greatest joys in life were his son, Jacob Berman, and his wife of 29 years, Darla Kubala.

When Eric was 13 years old, he moved from New York to Turner, Kansas. After high school and a few years living a bohemian life, he attended the University of Kansas. He remained a life-long Jayhawk fan and supporter.

He later moved to Midland, Texas where he met Darla. The couple eventually would move west to San Francisco, where Eric worked as a social worker prior to joining his wife as an entrepreneur. Together they opened the first of two bars and a restaurant. His singular, amusing, and affable demeanor made Eric a customer favorite over the years.

Though he lived many places, Kansas remained home to Eric and in 2011, he and his family returned to Lawrence. Continuing their entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife opened the Jackpot Bar downtown. After 5 years, they sold the bar, and Eric became a bus driver for First Transit in Lawrence. He would work at First Transit until his death.

Eric was both kind and moral, with a quick wit and playful sense of humor. He was a Black Belt in Taekwondo, enjoyed cycling, and the more than occasional game of cards. He loved the Grateful Dead, Jayhawk basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs, and attending Broadway plays in New York City with Darla.

He is survived by his wife, Darla Kubala, and son, Jacob Berman, both of Lawrence; mother, Hannelore Zellmann, of Lawrence; sisters Heidi Berman, of Wichita, and Michelle Manners (Marc Rathbun) of Dallas, Texas; and brother Bill Manners, of Colorado Springs; four nieces and one nephew; and four great-nieces. He is preceded in death by father, Raoul Berman; stepmother, Joyce Berman; and brother, Phillip Manners.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Research Hospital.

Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.