Carl Edward Eskridge, 80, of Falls of Rough peacefully passed away with his wife by his side on Friday, June 17, 2022.
Carl was born in Falls of Rough to the late Charles and Margaret Eskridge. He is the oldest of five children. His siblings include Woody Eskridge (Cecilia), the late Barbara Hardin (John), Pam Suddeth (Jerry), and Bill Eskridge (Debbie).
When Carl was at the young age of 18, he chose to dedicate his life to serving our country by joining the United States Navy. After completing his training, he progressed through E1 to E9 ranks, then to Commander Master Chief, and then became a Chief Warrant Officer. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and was a part of the Mobile Riverine Forces Mekong Delta. After his 25 years of service, he retired from the navy in 1985 as a Radio Officer on AUSS Nimitz (CVN-68.) Carl received the following awards and decorations: Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and Star, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, 6 Good Conduct Medals, Battle Efficiency Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, C-Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Service Warfare Qualified.
After completing his time in the navy, Carl focused on his family and pursued education. He graduated college with a PhD, and became a college professor at Brescia University in Owensboro, KY. He taught there for 11 years. After leaving the university he worked for the Grayson County Adult Education program for 3 years, where he helped many individuals achieve higher education.
Carl married the love of his life, Joyce Eskridge on April 19, 1963. Together they had 4 children: Michael Eskridge, whom he joined in Heaven, Carla Elder (the late, David), Shawn Eskridge, and Becky Thompson (Jeff). He is preceded in death by his father and mother- in- law: John Lawrence and Matha Baker. He has one sister-in-law: Glenda Cole (Ron). Carl is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Carl was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved golfing, playing chess, and whittling. He liked cycling. He and his brother Bill cycled across the United States together. He also greatly enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his great friend, Father Tony Stevenson, and his son Shawn.
Carl also enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren: Shawna Means (Aaron), Bethani Eskridge, Hope Husson (Taylor), Stephen Eskridge (Breanna), Emily Thompson, Ella Thompson, and Erin-Kate Thompson. He was known for taking each grandchild school shopping and lunch of their choice, every year. He loved seeing and meeting all of his great grandchildren too: Josie Eskridge, Eden Means, Eli Means, Parker Jane Husson, and Colton Eskridge.
Carl loved the Lord and was a faithful servant of Christ. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Axtel for 37 years. Carl was a wonderful man dedicated to God, his family, country, and education.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, (June 22, 2022) at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Axtel. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday and will then move to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Axtel where visitation will continue until time of services.
