Eric Joseph Mellen arrived a mere fourteen months after his brother Paul and fourteen months before his brother Stephen. Sandwiched snugly between his two brothers, Eric was a quiet and contemplative child with a kind and sweet nature-a blessing to a household with three active little boys. The envy of many with his cherub face and beautiful dark eyelashes, he was independent, intelligent, and extremely determined. From sports to academics and many things in between, he was a quick learner and was good at most everything he tried. As he grew older, his sharp wit and dry humor emerged. Eric was often a man of few words, but they were well-chosen and impactful. He was extremely observant and could provide the much-needed comic relief in any situation with his deadpan delivery followed by a slight grin. Time with Eric was personal, and it didn't need to be filled with words.

Eric was a deep thinker with a complex inner life. He suffered from severe schizophrenia for most of his life, though most people did not know this. He would not let himself be defined by this disease, and although it did have a deep impact on his life, he chose to rise above it. He found great satisfaction in writing, especially poetry, where he was free to let his mind turn over thoughts and ideas as he shared them with the world. Eric had a unique ability to recognize and accept both the intense beauty and heartbreaking pain of human existence, and he inspired many with his willingness to share his struggles and his successes through his written words and in close conversation. Eric held a deep love for his family and friends, and he made sure those in his orbit knew their special place in his heart.

He is survived by his husband, Jacob English; his parents, John & Sook Mellen; his brothers Paul (Stephanie) and Stephen; his nephew, Luca, and his extended family: Pat Duvall (Mickey), Bill Mellen (Gracie), Mary Doak (Fred), Tony Mellen (Mary), Mike Mellen, Cecelia Meredith, Beth Carpenter, Tina Perryman (Cris), Barb Camfield (Markus), Joung Ju Curtin (Greg), Joung Batson (Paul), Kun Ju Son (Joung Oak) and 93 cousins.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Hugh J Mellen, Irene M Mellen, Young Un Son, Duk Ti Son; his uncle, Dan Mellen; his aunt, Theresa Kent; and his cousin, David Kent. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison, Alabama, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 pm.  

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.