Carl "Bubba" Eckhardt

Carl “Bubba” Eckhardt was born on August 2, 1964, to Colleen Davis Eckhardt and Carl “Doug” Eckhardt. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and grandparents. Bubba is survived by his 3 beautiful daughters, Ashley (Nicholas), Shelby, and Lauren (Braeden) who he shared with Rebecca; 4 grandsons Henry, Cooper, Finn, and Dawson; his brother Troy (Sharlene); nephew Remington and niece Olivia; and Willie Nelson (thank God).

Bubba graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Animal Science. He had a rich career dedicated to wildlife and the outdoors, from working at the San Antonio Zoo to private game ranches. His “retirement job” with the City of Seguin allowed him to share his love of landscaping and parks management while pursuing one of his favorite hobbies: scavenger hunts. Whether it be arrowheads or jewelry, Bubba was always looking for a new treasure.

Bubba lived his life loud. He loved his beer, Texas country music, and sitting outside watching his pigs. He shared his love of raising show pigs with Shelby and Lauren and continued to share his knowledge with many families around Seguin. He was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong hunter. He would tell his girls that they could marry anyone they wanted as long as they had 10,000 acres and a deer blind for daddy. He loved fishing and spent countless hours on the jetties in Port Aransas. More recently, he enjoyed fishing in Giddings with the Behrens family. He never had a bad day of fishing or hunting. Even if he went home empty-handed, he’d say “that’s why they call it fishing, not catching.” He cherished any time spent with his girls & grandsons in the blind or at the fishing hole. He followed his Red Raider sports religiously, along with NASCAR and the Cowboys. Any losses or other minor conveniences were obviously a result of the full moon. Some months, the moon was full every week.

Bubba was an active member of the community, always willing to lend a hand. He loved his time on the Faith Lutheran Church BBQ crew. His seafood boils were legendary for causing chapped lips and fights over peeled shrimp. He viewed recipes as inspiration and often forgot to write down what he changed, so every meal was unique. Feeding people was truly his love language.

Bubba will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the San Antonio Zoo in Bubba’s honor.