Larry Delbert Eckels, 65, La Junta, Colo., died unexpectedly on July 1, 2010, at Pueblo, Colo.
He was born Aug. 8, 1944, at Cheyenne Wells, Colo., the son of Delbert V. and Irene R. Eckels.
He attended Scott City Elementary School and was a 1962 graduate of Westminster High School, Denver, Colo. In June of 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 20 years before retiring as a technical sergeant in 1985.
He then worked for Reeves Bros. Construction doing remodeling work at the Ordway Nursing Home. He became the nursing home’s director of maintenance for nine years.
His final place of employment was the Arkansas Valley Community Center as the director of maintenance where he touched many lives for the next 15-plus years.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rocky Ford, Colo., where he served in various positions, including congregational president, elder, usher and Bible study teacher before moving to La Junta.
Survivors include: four children, Shawn, Denver, Colo., Chad and wife, Patty, Evansville, Ind., Tracy and husband, Ricky, Rocky Ford, Colo., and Corinne, Grand Junction, Colo.; his first wife, Bonnie Mathena, Evansville, Ind., and his second wife, Lynn Eckels, Rocky Ford, Colo. Close relations include Sandra Brown and Angela Hardy as well as their families and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Fri., July 9, 1:00 p.m., at Peacock Memorial Chapel, La Junta, with Rev. Rick Miller of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rocky Ford, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Ft. Lyon National Cemetery with military honors from Peterson Air Force Base.
E-condolences may be given at www.PeacockFH.com.