Jackie Lee Eytcheson Sr.

Jackie Lee Eytcheson, Sr., 90, of Amarillo, gained his “Heavenly” wings, and was  called home to his Lords house, on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at his home in Amarillo.

A Graveside Burial Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 4, 2021, under the direction of LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors, South Coulter Road, Amarillo. Reverend Andy DeHardt, Pastor of River Road Baptist Church, will officiate.

On September 6, 1930, in Fulton County, Indiana, a child was born to Violet Marie (Farrer) and George Dewey Eytcheson. They named their bundle of joy, Jackie Lee Eytcheson. Aka, “Jack”, is the oldest of three siblings, Jacquline (Harris) and Pamela (Townsley).

Jack was a May 1948 graduate of Logansport High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Indiana Nation Guard (1948-1955), where he spent 7 years in the Tank Division as an operator, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, E-5. Shortly after joining the guards, he met, and fell deeply in love with his first wife, Norma Jean (Townsley),  who was working for RBM Company in Logansport, Indiana, where Jack went to work. Following their courtship, they married in the Wesley United Methodist Church on February 2, 1951, in Logansport, Indiana.

Jack and Norma moved to Wisconsin in 1955, where he went to work as a blue print inspector for Harness Figure Company, in West Allis, WI. Later on, he moved his family to Elmore (Lake Bernice), WI.  Jack worked for Bud Kloke, of Kloke Ready Mix, part-time at Lake Bernice while he was working for Sy Otten, as a machine tool and die maker, machine operator and inspector.

Jack went to work for the Post Office in West Bend, WI., on December 3, 1965, as a Letter Carrier. While working for the Post Office, he and Norma purchased and operated “Jack’s Country Squire” at Lake Bernice. In November of 1977 he transferred to the Amarillo, Texas, Post Office. Jack took the transfer, for Norma’s health. After moving to Amarillo, Jack’s youngest son, Jackie Jr, opened a cabinet business called “Jack & Son Builders”, making cabinets, where Jack Sr. worked with Jack Jr., from time-to-time.

On December 24, 1987, while at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, the love of his life, Norma, gained her “Heavenly” Angel wings, and was called home to be with her Lord and Savor. They were married for almost 37 years.

On October 7, 1989, Jackie married, the next love of his life, Virginia “Mickey” (Gunnels) Barton, in the River Road Baptist Church. Mickey was the proud mother of three adult children; Barbara, Larry and Price. Jack’s family grew with step-children  and grandchildren, which he dearly loves. Jack and Mickey were married until his death, almost 32 years.

Jack retired from the Amarillo Post Office in December, 1992.  After his retirement, he continued his sideline passion for working with wood. He made his patio furniture, jewelry boxes, children’s rocking chairs, 3 way baby sitters (rocking horse/writing desk/high chair, All-In-One), and his “Jesus” plaques, which he would gladly give away to anyone who wanted one. There were many many other items he made also. Working with Cedar wood was his favorite.

Jack was a wonderful son, brother, husband to Norma and Mickey, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, Uncle, and friend to many. He loved his Lord, family, and friends beyond measure. Jack will be dearly missed; but, we all rejoice knowing he is “Home” with his Lord.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma Jean, 1 daughter, Bobbette, 1 sister, Jacquline, 1 grandson, Hunter Mercer, 1 step-grandson, Casey Barton, and many other family and friends. What a joyful reunion they are all having now.

Survivors include his wife, Mickey of the home, 1 sister, Pamela Townsley of Albuqerque, NM, his 4 children, Connie DeGodt (Margie) of Mansfield, TX, Danny (Sharon) of Ryderwood, WA, Jackie Jr. (Cathy) of Canyon, TX, Debra McGuire (Dan) of Trinidad, CO, 3 step-children, Barbara Prescott of Kerens, TX, Larry Barton of Dallas, TX, Price Barton (Glenda) of Canadian, TX, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of many friends including his “Church Family” at River Road Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Jack’s sons, Dan Eytcheson, Sr., Jack Eytcheson, Jr., grandson’s, Nathan DeGodt, Steve Eytcheson, Great Grandson, Levi Eytcheson and Son-in-Law, Dan McGuire.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Amarillo Heart Association, 6605 W Interstate 40, Suite A6, Amarillo, Texas 79106, to the River Road Baptist Church, 8605 River Road, Amarillo, Texas, 79108, or to a charity of choice.