Doris O. Eckmann

Doris O. Eckmann passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on January 14, 2022, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her life and legacy with humor, love and an excellent margarita.

Doris, affectionately known as Dorie to her husband, was born to John Howard and Juanita Prather on December 21, 1930, in Corpus Christi, Texas. It was love at first sight when she met the love of her life, Ronald P. Eckmann, a Marine Corps aviator. After a whirlwind engagement, Ronald and Doris married in the spring of 1952 and spent the next 59 years building a life of adventure, travel and service to their country as a military family. Together, they had six children: Roxana, Kimberly, Sonya, Thor, Peter and Kristina.

While her husband served in the Marine Corps, she was a leader in the Marine Officers’ Spouses’ Club where she helped prepare families for deployment and provided support for military families. Doris was a brave and unwavering matriarchal figure in her large family who could be counted on for advice or a shoulder to rest.

Doris was known to be an avid bowler, having joined numerous bowling leagues across the world from Hawaii to Japan. She was also a great lover of music, and that love has been passed down generation over generation. So, it comes as no surprise you could often find Doris on a dance floor. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family and friends more than anything. Whether a major holiday or a simple weekend, Doris made her family a priority and those memories are something cherished by her family. Quite the jokester, Doris was always scheming to play another prank or enjoying a laugh with her husband, children and numerous grandchildren.

Celebrated for her skills in the kitchen (but self-proclaimed as semi-retired), her grandchildren were some of the lucky few who could always convince her to roll up her sleeves and step into the kitchen to whip up pannekaker (Norwegian pancakes) or her famous grilled cheese sandwiches.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Eckmann, daughter Roxana Ball, brothers Robert and C.A. Prather. She is survived by her two siblings, brother Edward Prather and sister Martha Sue Wright; five children, Kimberly Barnhart and husband Mark, Sonya Arms, Thor Eckmann and wife Marsha, Peter Eckmann and wife Daffney, and Kristina Kernick and husband Joe; eleven grandchildren, Katie, Michael, Dennis, Matthew, Brooke, Stacy, Brittany, Shelby, Kyle, Madison, and Natalie; thirteen great-grandchildren, Tyler, Nikolas, Caleb, Andrew, Alarie, Griffin, Sidney, Ash, Addison, Garrett, Matthew, Mason, and Maverick; and two great-great-grandchildren; Greyson and Peyton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Francis Nursing Home; 630 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212