Eren "Chewbacca" Akyol

1961 - 2019

Eren "Chewbacca" Akyol was peacefully taken home on Feb 07, 2019. Eren was 57 and died peacefully at home in Vado, NM. He is survived by his Mother Birsen Akyol of Izmir, Turkey, his wife Ruby Akyol, and his step-children Natasha Sanchez, Mia Sanchez and Elijah Sanchez and 2 grandsons Mikael and Samael Ramos all of Dona Ana County. His Sister, Esen Caskir also of Izmir, Turkey. He is preceded in death by his father, Unsal Akyol and his grandmother Fatma Emralioglu of Istanbul, Turkey.

Eren was born on July 03, 1961 in Lafayette, Indiana to Unsal and Birsen Akyol. He graduated with a masters' in electrical engineering in 1986 from Purdue University in Indiana. Shortly after he graduated from Purdue he joined the US Navy and served from 1987 to 1997 as Fc-1106-Aegis Fire Control. Upon his discharge he was an E5 Petty Officer, 2nd Class. He married his work sweetheart (where they met) in May 2014, and where he took on a readymade family and supported them and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. His children remember him as stern and at times, a difficult man but they knew it was out of love to pursue their life goals.

Eren did have a couple of hobbies but to name his favorite, he loved fishing. His idea of fishing was picking it out in the seafood department at the grocery store. His favorite sport was soccer and his team was Galatasaray of Turkey. He also played soccer in high school and was still really good at it. He was a loving and kind man (although stubborn) who loved his family and was dedicated to making them happy. Eren accomplished a lot throughout his life and he loved his job in the US Navy and was passionate about the sea and the ships he was stationed on. He also enjoyed the 14 years of services as a contractor for NASA.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday February 15th 2019 at Getz Funeral home located at 1410 Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001 at 1000 am. No reception to follow. Jimmy Apodaca will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Erens life. The family would like to thank all of his close friends who loved and cared for him as their own.