Joe Morris Eckman

Joe Morris Eckman, better known as Morry, passed away on Saturday afternoon October 14th 2023, at his home, in Ocala FL. Morry was born September 8, 1935 to Joseph and Veronica Eckman (Morris) in Janesville Wisconsin. He grew up in Blunt South Dakota, graduating from Blunt High School in 1953. He loved sports, playing baseball, basketball and excelling at both. His love for horses began at the Carl Albright ranch where he grew up surrounded by friends, love, horses, work, all important things that would mold his life. When Morry was attending Yankton College, his father passed away so he quit school and came home to help his Mother. He began working for the State of South Dakota in the Motor Vehicle Division where he spent many years working to make sure South Dakota roadways were safe. He married Carol Olerud in June of 1957 at the new Blunt Methodist Church. Morry and Carol had four children, Carrie Jo, Patrick, Glenda and Beth. Morry was involved with his community serving on the Blunt School Board and later the Sully Buttes School Board. In his spare time, he traveled the State of South Dakota refereeing countless basketball games. And always there were horses. He helped his family show horses and he and his brother, Mike began training and racing quarter bred horses. He served on the SD Quarter Horse Association promoting horse racing throughout the state, often announcing at the races. Morry moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where he served as the Manager of Central States Fair and Fairgrounds. After enjoying the hills, he took the job as Manager of the South Dakota State Fair. Eventually, the call to the race track lured him to begin working full time training and racing horses. He met his future wife in Phoenix AZ, where he was training racehorses at Turf Paradise racetrack in 1982. He married Barbara Mapes on August 11, 1984. In 1986 they moved to Ocala FL. Morry worked a variety of jobs throughout the years involving horses. For the past 18 years he has worked at Robert's Quarter Horse Farm. He loved his family, his dogs, and his job at the farm. Morry's outgoing personality and genuine interest in people gave him friends everywhere he went, in whatever arena he was working or involved. He never forgot those friends and he worked hard at maintaining those relationships throughout the years and was known to call people to check on them. Morry's passion was his family. He was always so proud of Barb and her accomplishments and that love and care was always extended to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings, many of whom he never lived in close proximity to. He worked hard to have those relationships, talking to most of them weekly, daily in some instances. When he could, he attended their events and when he couldn't, he always said, "send me a picture, would you please?". He loved the Lord and spoke often of his many Blessings. Morry is survived by his wife, Barb, children Glenda Antonovich of Ocala Fl and Carrie Jo Howard of Strathcona MN. His sister Joan Ravenscraft of Mequon WI. Grandchildren Caitlin Howard of Strathcona MN, Jon Howard (Kayla) of Glyndon MN, Justin Howard of Karlstad MN, Joel Howard (Kathrine) of Greenbush & McIntosh MN, Jenny Thene (Neil) of Milaca, MN, Jared Howard (Molly) of Grand Rapids MN, Kimberly Thompson (Brad) of Rice MN, Sarah Hayes (Christin) of Ocala FL, Matthew Antonovich (Amanda) of Sioux City IA. He is survived by his 22 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Morry was proceeded in death by his parents, Son Patrick Eckman, Daughter Beth Eckman, Son-in-law Terry Howard, Grandson Darius, Brothers Mike Eckman, Rick Eckman, Jerry Eckman and his Sisters Kada McCann and Rosemary. A Memorial service will be held at the Ocala World Equestrian Chapel, Saturday October 28th, 2023 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Morry's memory to the Humane Society of Marion County.

Joe Morris Eckman

September 8, 1935 - October 14, 2023