John Edward Eckelkamp

September 15, 1925 to June 20, 2017

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 22, 2017, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Electra from 6:00 p.m. until the Wake and Rosary begins at 7:00 p.m.  Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2017, at St. Paul's Catholic Church with Rev. Khoi Tran officiating.  Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.

Johnny was born to Herman and Sophie Mengwasser Eckelkamp in 1925 on the family farm in Punkin Center, Texas. He was baptized at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and began his schooling at Enterprise Rural School. From the time he could walk, he was sent out to gather the eggs and was later promoted to herding cows and the many other chores that were a part of everyday farm life and the operation of a small dairy in the 1930's. His parents were able to afford the luxury of sending all of their children to Electra High School to complete their education. He was an active member of the Catholic Youth Organization and was known to be a "dancing fool" among the young people who frequented the socials hosted by the Knights of Columbus. He graduated in 1943 with the offer of a full scholarship to play football for Abilene Christian College.

Instead of becoming a gridiron hero, Johnny was drafted for a bigger team. Uncle Sam called him up to join the Army of the United States in World War II. Following Basic Training at Ft. Hood, he was shipped to Ft. Bliss to attend Mechanic's School, then on to Ft. Ord. While awaiting deployment to Japan, Johnny re-enlisted, this time swearing into the Regular Army of the United States. He was promoted to Sergeant and shipped back to Ft. Bliss. When the war ended, he stayed on to oversee the decommissioning of the war machine receiving an honorable discharge in 1947.

Returning home to Punkin Center, Johnny put his mechanical and management skills to work for National Tank Company as the Warehouse Superintendent, while attending Midwestern State University. In 1953, he was promoted to District Office Manager and Production Manager. In 1967, he was sent to Gulfport, Mississippi to oversee costs controls and materials procurement for the construction of the new facility. As the Chief Purchasing Agent for CE Natco, he traveled the country inspecting parts and materials and executing contracts until his retirement in 1985. An extraordinary career in the days before fax machines, the internet, or cell phones.

In 1990, Johnny returned to the family farm in Punkin Center as the managing partner, a position that left most of his time free to pursue golfing and occasional jaunts to Oklahoma. He discovered a passion for competitive lawn mowing and was frequently seen driving his John Deere around the lawn of St Paul's, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, or around the farm. He was a valued member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, serving as an usher and overseeing the care of Mt. Carmel Cemetery. He served on the cemeteries' advisory board for the Dioceses of Fort Worth. His greatest honor was to serve in the Knights of Columbus and earn the designation of 4th Degree Knight.

A confirmed bachelor of nearly 92 years, John was preceded in death by his parents Herman & Sophia Eckelkamp, sisters Agnes Jansen and Norma Eckelkamp; brothers Albert, Elmer, Theodore (Dutch), Raymond (Red); nephew Eugene, and nieces Christina E. Finch, Judy E. Welch and Barbara Jansen. He is survived by nieces Victoria E. Shanahan, Cindy E. Callicchio, Susie E. Lewis, Janet E. Smith, and Sherry E. Ray; nephews Robert Eckelkamp, Thomas Eckelkamp, Danny Eckelkamp, Larry Eckelkamp, David Jansen, Jerry Jansen, and Ricky Eckelkamp. He is also survived by many great and great great nieces and nephews and a wealth of cousins and close friends.

Donations may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church Lawn Maintenance, the Punkin Center Volunteer Fire Department, North Texas Rehab Center, Catholic Charities of Wichita Falls or the charity of your choice.