1925
2013
Landen Pinkney Eckard, son of the late Lewis Pinkney and Pearl Bollinger Eckard, born January 28, 1925, died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at his Drowning Creek Farm in Hildebran. Mr. Eckard served in the Navy during WWII and returned to Hickory and married Pauline Reid of Granite Falls. He retired from a career in sales with Maple Springs Laundry and land development, but is best known for his support to the American Saddlebred Horse and Hackney Pony industry. After purchasing Drowning Creek Farm in 1956, he and his children, Lana Eckard Ray, Lewis Pinkney Eckard, II and Sheila Eckard Lail developed the farm into the largest Saddlebred Horse farm in Western NC and one of the most prominent show barns in the United States with over forty World Championships. In 2002, he and wife, Pauline, were inducted into the NC Horseman's Hall of Fame in Raleigh, NC.
Mr. Eckard is survived by his wife of 68 years, three children and four grandchildren, Gina Lail, Heather Lail, George Ray and Charles Ray.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church with the Pastor Richard Fritz officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 629 8th Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 24, 2013
Daryl Clark
So sorry to hear of Landens passing , he was a great man , i worked with him 25 years ago at maple springs, my deepest sympathy to his family.
April 23, 2013
Leon and Debbie Richardson
So sorry to hear of your loss. The Lord is with you during this difficult time
April 21, 2013
Susan Reid Young
Thinking of u all. This candle represents his way of brightening everyones life and will truly be miss. God bless u all and prayering u find comfort in him. Love u all!
April 19, 2013
Barbara Shook McCormick
Lana - Sorry to hear about your Dad. May God bless you and your family during this time.
April 19, 2013
Ken Church
Landen was my neighbor, a harder worker there was none, when I felt like on a cold day not doing anything, I would look out and there he was working on his tractor. I miss you your friend Ken Church
April 18, 2013
Brandon Shepard
Will always remember the long hot days in hayfield with Grandaddy and the many trips to cattle sales. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Eckard family
April 18, 2013
Brandon Shepard
Will always remember the long hot days in hayfields with Grandaddy and many trips to cattle sales. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with entire Eckard Family.
April 18, 2013
Billy Wayne Smith
I will always remember the good times with him while I worked there. God bless all the Eckard family.
April 18, 2013
Dory (Gaye) Roseberry Pell
Dear Family,
I am so very saddened by the loss of Landen. He was like a father to me and I had hoped to get up there to visit with he & Pauline and the family over the winter - but then "life" happened and I never got there. Now I'm sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to tell him how much I loved him, respected him and appreciated him for that giant heart and for being a guiding force and inspiration in my life.
Knowing Landen's vigor and spirit - I know he's much better off now - young and strong and full of energy again. The heavens are lit by his huge smile and sparkling eyes.
My heart goes out to the family - I know what a rock he was to each of you. May our merciful Lord wrap his arms around you and fill you with His peace and love.
I regret that I will also be unable to attend the services as one of our largest annual fundraisers is this weekend and it's mandatory I be there. You will be in my hearts and prayers.
I love you all like family ... Gaye Roseberry (now known as "Dory Pell")
April 18, 2013
claude and alice Shiflet
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Funeral services provided by:
Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Hickory940 29th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601
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