Eugene Eckenrode

Eugene L. “Gene” Eckenrode, 76, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at the Village of Laurel Run. Born July 20, 1940, in Amberson, PA, he was the son of the late Lee and Margaret Culbertson Eckenrode.

Gene was a 1958 graduate of Shippensburg High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy for three years and 20 years with the 193rd Special Operations Group of the PA Air National Guard. During his time with the 193rd, Gene served as a Communications Specialist where he participated in major exercises around the world. He also served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His duties allowed him to fly on an EC-130. Gene was employed as a Production Controller at Letterkenny Army Depot for 26 years until his retirement in 2007. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He loved to fly and had his private pilot’s license. Gene was a member of the Marine Corps League, George Washington Lodge #143 F&AM, Tall Cedars of Lebanon Valley Forest #145, Shippensburg Scottish Rite Club, Harrisburg Consistory, the AmVETS Post 224, Shippensburg VFW Post 6168, the Hub City Club in Shippensburg, the 193rd Special Operations Wing Association and the Dry Run American Legion Post 232 where he served as Adjutant, was on the Board of Directors for several years and was a faithful member of the Color Guard never missing a funeral or a parade.

Gene is survived by his wife, Susanne Nitterhouse Eckenrode, whom he married on October 20, 2000; his son, Jeffrey and wife Rebecca of Chambersburg; granddaughter, Ashley Eckenrode (Brittany Miller) of Chambersburg; two nieces, Donna Brandt and husband Gary of Shiremanstown, PA and Rebecca Dean (Eric Brown) of Fayetteville; and his nephew Chuck Moyer and wife Ali of Harrisburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Eloise Rhinehart.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, November 6, 2016, in Amberson Union Cemetery, Amberson, PA. Rev. Murray B. Stevens will officiate. Military Graveside Honors will be provided by the Dry Run American Legion Post 232 Color Guard. The family will receive friends for an informal gathering with food and fellowship at Eugene’s residence on Sunday from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3544 North Progress Ave. Suite 205m Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA.