John Franklin Eckrode Sr., 84, of South Whitehall Township, died June 8, 2014, in St. Luke's Hospital, Allentown.

He and his wife Wanda S. ( Blood ) Eckrode were married for 61 years in February.

He was a security supervisor captain at Cedarbrook Nursing Home, South Whitehall, for 22 years before retiring in 1994.

Born in Mahanoy City, he was the son of the late Charles S. and Mary A. (Southall) Eckrode.

A 1949 graduate of Mahanoy City High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949-69.

Stationed at various bases, he served in France, Okinawa and Greenland.

He was a volunteer firefighter at the Woodlawn Fire Company, South Whitehall Township for 35 years, serving two years as a trustee and five years as a fire policeman.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son John Jr.; daughter Charlotte G. Wetzel, both of South Whitehall Township; grandson Jamie N. Wetzel and his wife, Heather A., of Emmaus; great-grandson Jamie N. Wetzel Jr. and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a grandson Jason M. Wetzel, LCPL, USMC; brothers Bobby and Jimmy; and sisters Charlotte and Grace.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Arrangements were made by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.