Russell Mark Eckels

Russell Mark Eckels, 62, of Amarillo passed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10am at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 4304 SE 10th Ave in Amarillo with Pastor Mike Fuller presiding. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Angel Funeral Home of Amarillo, 2209 S. Arthur.

Russell was born on July 18, 1959 in Amarillo to Louwana Rivers. Russell was a graduate of Caprock High School. On July 21, 1984, Russell would marry his beloved Annette Craven, the only woman he ever loved. Together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage while raising 3 girls and had what Annette called an “amazing ride” together. Russell supported the family as a heavy equipment operator and would retire from the City of Amarillo after 21 years of dedicated and loyal service.

Russell was a simple man. A homebody by choice. He loved to be at home watching T.V., playing with his grand babies, or simply relaxing and enjoying a fine home cooked meal. He especially loved the time he spent with his “little buddies” Corbin and Karter. He babysat, played with, and picked them up from school. Russell greatly enjoyed those special moments.

In his younger years, he was active in just about every sport a young boy could play, including a pick up baseball game with his neighborhood buddies, or a good game of football.  Russell played in various city softball leagues for more than 20 years, and even served some time behind the plate as an umpire. He was also a member of Big Brother of Amarillo. He remained in touch with one of the young men, Ken McKeever and his wife Linda who he often visited in Davis, Oklahoma at Arbuckle Lake.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rocky Eckels. Those left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife Annette, daughters Jordan Leigh Eckels, Holly Jean Hill, and Kristan Anne Hill and son in law Johnny Stiger; his five grandchildren, Kailah, Kobi, Shilah, Kelan, and Corbin, and his great grandchild Karter. Russell also leaves behind his cousins Todd Tenorio, and Lori Ann Tenorio Dunavin as well as many other loving family members and dear friends.