Gary Wayne Eccles

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the world lost a great man when Gary Wayne Eccles, Sr. passed away at the age of 74. Gary was most recently a resident of Converse, TX and previously a resident of Lakehills, TX, and Angleton, TX. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by family.

Gary was born on October 14, 1947, in St. Louis, MO to Delmer Eccles and Julia (Branstetter) Eccles. As a teen, he was part of the rifle team on the Black Knights, a competitive drum and bugle corps team. Gary thoroughly enjoyed drum and bugle corps, and he carried this love throughout his life. Gary married the love of his life, Gerri (Lampe) Eccles, on August 19, 1967. He served in the US Army as Sergeant (E-5) in Vietnam 1967-1969 (where he earned his Expert Marksmanship Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal) prior to returning to his wife and starting a family. They raised two children, Gary Wayne Eccles, Jr. and Tressa Marie (Eccles) Mims.

Gary and Gerri moved their small family to Clute, Texas in 1977, and Gary began his career at Dow Chemical, in Oyster Creek, TX. They raised their family in Angleton, TX. Gary retired in 2007 and he and Gerri moved to be closer to the kids.

Gary will be remembered fondly by all who knew him as a true Transplant Texan. He would tell you that he "wasnt born in Texas but he got here as quickly as he could!" He loved to barbecue and spent most of his waking hours outdoors. He loved history, politics, Texas Outlaw country music, Zydeco music, Cajun food, BBQ, and old Westerns. He would spend hours reading Westerns, particularly those that took place in his beloved Texas, while sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Gary was a kind and giving man who would willingly give the shirt off his back to help his friends or family. He loved quietly but fiercely and was an exemplary role model of family values for those around him. Gary was a mentor to many people and the ripple effect of his generosity and love can never be measured in this lifetime.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Delmer Eccles, his mother Julia (Branstetter) Eccles, his sister Patricia (Eccles) Barhorst, granddaughter Kimberly, and great grandchildren Wyatt and Paisley. He is survived by his wife Gerri, son Gary (Connie), daughter Tressa (Patrick), grandson Justin (Michaela), grandson Willie, granddaughter Samantha, and great grandchildren Amberly, Braelynn, Madison, Tanner, and Adeline.

Garys earthly presence will be painfully missed by his family and friends, but they rest in the knowledge that he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and he now rests in the arms of God as he awaits us to join him in eternity.

ROSARY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28

7:00 PM

ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH

FUNERAL SERVICE

MONDAY, AUGUST 29

11:00 AM

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to K9s for Warriors or The Gary Sinise Foundation. These are both worthwhile charities that offer great support to Veterans in need.

Arrangements with

PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

1710 WEST LOOP 1604 NORTH

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78251 - (210) 891-0000