Dr. Harold V. Eck

Harold was born November 14, 1924 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Joseph F. and Francis L. Eck, the second of three children.  He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Agriculture and in 1950 earned a Ph.D. from Ohio State University in Agronomy and Plant Physiology.  In 1969 and 1970, he pursued postdoctoral studies at the University of Illinois. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946.He married Mary Kay Herber on April 7, 1947. They moved to Amarillo in 1957 where they raised their five children. Harold worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 42 years as a research soil scientist specializing in soil and water conservation, field crops and grasses.  He retired in 1990 after 33 years at the Research Center in Bushland, Texas.  He is quoted as saying, *I didn*t become famous, but at least I didn*t become infamous*.Harold and Mary Kay were founding members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was actively involved with his children*s activities when they were growing up and an avid bridge player. He was preceded in death by Mary Kay, his brother Joseph and his sister Agnes Walton.He is survived by his wife Carole,  his daughters Linda Anderson and husband Hugh of Lufkin, TX, Kathy Williamson and husband Jack, of Pasadena, TX, and Beth Czerniakowski and husband Pete of The Woodlands, TX;  sons David and wife Colleen of Amarillo and Dr. Michael Eck of Westford, MA.; and daughter-in-law Stefany Eck of Westford, MA.  He leaves 10 grandchildren, Dr. Bradley Eck, Janell Martin, Kathleen Eck,  Dr. Kelli Martin, Jay Williamson, Emily Eck, Benjamin Eck, and Kathryn, Kristen, and Kaylee Czerniakowski; great-grandchildren Isaac and Liesl Eck, Andrew and Connor Martin, Kolby Martin and Kinley Williamson.  The family suggests memorials be made to Harold*s great-granddaughter Kinley Williamson*s Angel Fund to help provide for her medical needs at 4030 Thistlewood, Pasadena, TX 77504 or the Mary Kay Eck Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund in care of The Amarillo College Foundation; PO Box 447, Amarillo, TX  79178.

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