Danny Lloyd Eckles passed away the morning of June 20, 2013. The oldest child of Raymond Henry Eckles and Madeline Martha Beilke, Danny was born in Pendleton, Oregon on November 17, 1941.

Raised on a wheat and cattle ranch he fondly remembered growing up with two sisters, Linda and Maralee. In 1952 his mother was stricken with polio and spent the rest of her life in an iron lung. Her ability to accept her situation and not complain, but cheerfully greet friends and family, became a principle to live by for her son.

Danny's mother passed away at the age of 38 when he was 13 years old. He never forgot the sacrifices his father made during this time, caring for his wife and maintaining a normal home life for his family. These efforts shaped Danny's belief that family was important and should be celebrated whenever possible.

Excelling in football and basketball, Danny received All-State recognition in both sports. High school was an important foundation to the rest of his life. He met his future wife, Waconda (Conda) Lee Hunt, whom he dated throughout high school. He also made life-long friends of great character and Danny's football prowess led to an appointment to the Air Force Academy.

Danny entered the United States Air Force Academy in June 1959. He graduated four years later with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Over the next 24 years he qualified to fly in multiple airplanes, lived in numerous states and overseas, served as commander of many flying organizations, and was the proud father of four children. He completed two combat tours in the Viet Nam War, flying 421 combat missions. By the time he retired, Danny was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Meritorious Service Medals, 19 Air Medals, plus 25 other combat and foreign government medals, ribbons, and citations. After military retirement he served as City Administrator of Harrisburg, Oregon, for 10 years.

On June 15, 1963, Danny and Conda were married and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary among family and friends. After a lifetime of creating a home wherever they were, Danny and Conda finally settled in Millersburg, Oregon enjoying the opportunity to be near family and their eight grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, son Bryce and wife Holly, son Brance (who preceded him in death) and wife Regina, daughter Heather and husband Paul, and son Blaine and wife Shelley, plus grandchildren: Hayden, Henry, Gracie, Toby, Hadley, Liam, Hannah Anna, and Harper.

Memorial services are being arranged by AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. Danny will receive full military honors at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on September 27, 2013 at 1:00pm