Thomas Edward Eckelberry

Thomas Edward Eckelberry, age 58 of Edgerton, Kansas passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at his home with family by his side. Memorial services will be 10:30AM, Friday May 23, 2025 at New Life Church in Gardner, followed by a luncheon to share memories and visit with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Team Gleason Foundation and/or New Life Community Church in care of Wilson's, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

Thomas Edward Eckelberry was born August 18, 1966 in Novato, California’s Hamilton Air Force Base, the son of Robert Dean and Jeanette Odelia (DeSchinckel) Eckelberry. Tom attended primary schools in Falcon, Colorado, Peyton, Colorado, and finished grade school in Admire, Kansas. He graduated from Northern Heights High School in 1984. After high school, Tom completed his Bachelor of Science in Finance with a Minor in Accounting from Emporia State University where he met his wife, Dana Thompson. On August 4, 1990, they were married in Ottawa, Kansas and shared over 34 years of marriage before his passing. Dana survives at the home in Edgerton. Tom’s first employment was with the State of Kansas as a Bank Examiner and then worked at various banks in commercial lending. He was most recently employed at Sunflower Bank.

Tom was filled with a strong and abiding faith in God. It was this strength that carried him through his 2 ½ year battle with ALS without complaint. Tom was a selfless husband, father, uncle and friend. He sought ways to help others in any capacity and was an introspective and passive speaker. When Tom did choose to speak, however brief, his words were usually profound and witty.

Tom enjoyed bow hunting, woodworking, fishing, home improvement projects, kayaking, hiking and fellowship with his brothers.  Above all other things, his 3 sons were the joy of his life. He shared his love of sports, especially Chiefs Football and UFC with them and loved being able to scuba dive with them as well. His last words spoken were, “You all gave my life meaning”.

Tom is survived by his wife, Dana of the home; son Colin Eckelberry and his fiancé Taylor Clemens; son Blake Eckelberry and daughter-in-law, Megan; son, Bryce Eckelberry and daughter-in-law Alexia; grandsons: Alexander and Brecksten Eckelberry; mother and father-in-law, Mike and Vicky Hemley of Edgerton; brother and sister-in-law, Derek Thompson and Nicole Armstrong of Quenemo; brother, Mike Eckelberry; sister, Linda Joyce; brother, Pat Eckelberry; brother, John Eckelberry; brother, Jim Eckelberry; brother, Ken Eckelberry; brother, Jeff Eckelberry; sister-in-law, Deana Eckelberry; brother, Dan Eckelberry; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Tim Eckelberry and a niece, Katie Eckelberry.

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