Norton Eckenrod, Sr.

Command Sgt. Major, U.S. Army, (Retired) Norton "Nick" L. Eckenrod Sr., 85, passed away June 23, 2016 peacefully in his home surrounded by family at Fort Clark Springs in Brackettville, TX.

Nick was born in North Wilkesboro, NC on November 10, 1930. He is preceded in death by his parents: Robert C. Eckenrod Sr. and Beulah Wright Eckenrod, and brothers: Robert C. Jr., Jerry Dean, and Alvin.

He is survived by his wife Barbara "B.J." Eckenrod of forty-one years; son: Norton "Bud" L. Eckenrod Jr.,and wife Ivy; daughters: Karen L. Eckenrod Hughes, Rhonda K. Eckenrod Croft, Tiffany P. Eckenrod, and Tara B. Massingill and husband Whitney.

Nick went by "Opa" to his 11 grandchildren; Aaron Hughes, James Hughes and wife Amelia, Bonnie DeSpain and husband Nelson, Jacob Hughes and wife Candice, Rhea Li Eckenrod, Nancy Roland, John Dylan Croft and wife Allison, Mason Eckenrod, Gentry, Weston, and Henley Massingill and his 14 great-grandchildren; Carolyn, Josie, Emily, Madison, Justin, Christian, Haley, Kristopher, Kathryn, Garrett, Bailey, Ethan, Ady and Shiplee. Surviving brother; Ronnie Eckenrod and wife Lillian and sister-laws; Mary Alice Eckenrod, wife of Robert C. Jr. and Joan Eckenrod, wife of Jerry Dean.

Norton L. Eckenrod served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a highly decorated soldier, retiring after 26 years of service. He played an active role in his children and grandchildrens lives during his retirement. Nick was an advocate in their pursuit of education. He sacrificed immensely for the betterment of their lives. Nick enjoyed reading and worked long hours on his farm in Quemado, TX. He moved to Brackettville in 1994, where he enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his buddies. Nick was a member of First Baptist Church in Brackettville where he was baptized. He was well loved and respected by his family and friends, everyone has a story to tell and a memory to share.
Services were held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Honorary Pallbearers were Whitney Massingill, Nelson DeSpain, and brother-in-laws; Ronnie, Frankie, Donald, and Billy Dye.

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