Norman "Norm" Leroy Eckard, 77, of Shawnee, Kansas, left us, surrounded by his wife and children on January 29th due to complications of the heart.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Chrystal Eckard, nieces Kim Manthei, Sommer Eckard, and grandson Albert "Don Don" Taylor. He is survived by his sister Diane (Ron) Manthei, brother Randy (Debbie) Eckard, wife Carol (Henricks) Eckard, children Kristina, Ryan (Brandi), Michael Eckard, and grandchildren Evelynn, Jase, and Justus.

Norm was born in Ames, Iowa on March 31st 1943. He lived most of his life in Ames, until moving his family to Shawnee Kansas in 1991. Even after moving to Kansas, Norm kept very close contact with his siblings, and enjoyed long telephone conversations, sharing photos of their families, and making many trips back/forth to Iowa.

Norm was a proud member of the military, and served as a Sergeant Major in the 103rd COSCOM from 1965 to 2003.

He worked as a sales representative at George Keller and Associates for over 34 years. He was a loyal employee and really enjoyed the work. He had a gift for conversation, and knew no stranger. He loved to talk about sports, so selling sporting goods was right up his alley.

Norm was a diehard Iowa State Cyclones fan (a house divided with Carol being a KU fan), and could often be seen wearing his favorite ISU hat. He loved talking sports with his sons and brother, and could ramble on about teams and stats.

He was a loyal and supportive husband, a great father to his children, and the best "Papa" to his grandchildren. Norm's absence will surely be felt in many lives, but his memories will live on with all of us forever.

Graveside Services

A graveside service will be held on February 13 in Ames, Iowa for family only at Story Memorial Gardens. There will be no reception afterword due to the virus.

Memorial Contributions

Should family/friends desire, contributions can be sent to Carol Eckard, in care of the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203; to assist the family with funeral expenses.