Joseph R. Eckenrode

Joseph Raymond Eckenrode, 93, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Laurel Lakes Rehabilitation and Wellness. He lived independently at his own home until the last 5 months of his life. He was born the morning of February 6, 1932, on Sunnyside Farm in (then) Greene Township, after his mother had milked the cows. He was the 7 th child & 5 th son of Jennie Bell (Bowen) & Harry "Henny" Martin Eckenrode. Their family had been share crop farmers on several local farms.

Joe grew up attending Stoufferstown & Letterkenny schools before graduating from Chambersburg High School in 1950. He met the love of his life in the summer of 1951 and married Mary Crawford Shulley on March 25, 1956.

As a young man, Joe worked at Depew's general store, the Fayetteville gas station & pool room, Penn State Mont Alto Nursery, TB Woods, Washington National Insurance, Mack Truck, and retired from Grove Worldwide. A devoted family man, Joe retired to help Mary, "Dar", with childcare right before their second granddaughter was born.

Joe loved playing baseball, fishing & shooting pool. He was fond of all dogs & owned over 40 cars in his lifetime - some new & some used. He was an avid reader & often shared random knowledge on a variety of topics with his granddaughters. "Pa" was a life-long learner & mastered texting, so that he could be aware of what was happening with "his girls". They sent pictures of harvested deer, big fish, delicious meals & countries that he would never get to visit; Pa had photos of it all. Joe never met a dessert that he didn't like. When given the list of desserts available at family holiday meals, he would reply "Yes" & have an assorted plateful with a cup of hot, black coffee. Joe joined the Fayetteville Methodist Church (later renamed Calvary UMC) on July 3, 1960, where he and Mary were active members until their health failed much later in life. Joe also joined Girl Scouts USA when it became apparent that all of the women in his life were Girl Scouts & he wanted in on the fun. He supported Mary's Girl Scout troop by driving, loading & unloading of gear, chaperoning camping trips & showing up to photograph & support his daughters & granddaughters. He also bought many, many Girl Scout cookies!

Joe is survived by daughters, Mary Catherine Shaak and Suzanne Crider. Granddaughters, Lauren (Josh) Havens, Katie Shaak (Josh Baughman) and Elise Crider (Colten Brookens). Great Grandson, Barrett Havens. Son-in-Laws, Gerald Crider and Randy Shaak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, an infant grandson, Clark Crawford Egolf and Mary, his beloved wife of over 60 years.

A Memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Visitation begins at noon. Service at 1:00 PM. A private interment will immediately follow the memorial service.

Memorial donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222 or Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Road West, Chambersburg, PA 17201.