Marcus Michael Eichhorn, Jr.

Dr. Marcus Michael Eichhorn, Jr., Professor Emeritus, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, at the age of 91. Born September 25, 1935, in New Orleans, LA. He was a devout Roman Catholic and an acclaimed agricultural scientist.

His early years in New Orleans shaped both his deep Catholic faith and his lifelong passion for the outdoors. He attended Our Lady of Fatima/Good Counsel Grammar School and graduated from St. Aloysius High School (now Brother Martin). As the first in his family to attend college, he earned his Masters Degree in Agronomy-Soil Fertility (1959) at LSU in Baton Rouge and completed his Ph.D from the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. (1964). He began his career as a tobacco chemist in Tifton, GA, before returning home to Louisiana.

Dr. Eichhorn dedicated over 36 years to advancing agricultural science at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station in Homer, LA. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the lifetime distinction of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his enduring dedication to agricultural research. Throughout his distinguished career, he specialized in crop, soil, weed, and forage research, leading to the development of the highly successful ‘Brazos,’ ‘Grazer’ and ‘Brazos3’ bermudagrass varieties. A prolific academic authority, he authored over 100 scientific publications and was honored as Progressive Farmer’s magazine, Man of the Year in 2001 being “rated among the best in the nation” for his extraordinary service to Louisiana Agriculture.

Deeply committed to his faith, Marcus served at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Homer and St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton as a choir member and Lay Eucharistic Minister. He was active in Prison Ministry (Kairos) at the Wade Correctional Center in Homer, the Cursillo movement and the Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree). In recognition of his exceptional service, Marcus received the Diocesan Medal of Honor from Bishop William Friend and was honored to serve on the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Shreveport.

Marcus lived a full vibrant life. He loved talking, sharing fellowship, and lighting up rooms with his infectious laugh. As a captivating storyteller, he spent hours recounting his hunting and fishing adventures across the Louisiana marshes and Gulf Coast. He was an avid outdoorsman who bred English pointers and took great pride in tracking quail and doves. He deeply loved food, especially fresh seafood, and hosting crawfish boils with his family was absolutely his favorite pastime. An insatiable reader, he always had a book in hand. He was thoroughly engaged in his final reading, "The Confession of St Augustine", right up until his last days.

Marcus naturally adapted his adventures as time went on. When he could no longer hunt or fish, he simply brought his trademark passion closer to home. He shifted his vibrant energy to his faith and community, attending mass as often as possible. Yet, he always kept a perfect balance between his spiritual devotion and his love for a good time, trading his early mornings in the marshes on the boats to the boats—a.k.a. casinos-and always wrapping up his favorite routines with lunches at China Flag.

Marcus’s humble spirit taught his family not to take life seriously; to laugh and trust completely in the Lord. He lived and died by his favorite scripture, “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

He is survived by his cherish, beloved wife of 69 years, Dasha Ann Champagne Eichhorn; his four children Rose Lester, Michele Joubert (Steve), Colette Murray (Paul) and Marcus Eichhorn III (Donna); 12 grandchildren,19 great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his “guardian angel” daughter, Elizabeth Ann; his parents Marcus Michael Eichhorn Sr., Rose Marie Emuy Eichhorn; his siblings Inez Champagne, Margaret Menasco, and Louis Eichhorn.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Cornerstone Rehab and Louisiana Home Health.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton, LA. A Rosary will be prayed from 11:00 AM, immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park in Haughton, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Jude Catholic Church.