Michael Park Eckles, 70, died Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on October 3, 1940 in Dodge City, the son of Park and Inez (Hensley) Eckles.

Mike graduated from Princeton University and received his MBA from the University of Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Mike married Jana Snook in 1969. Mike worked as a managing partner in the family businesses, Eckles Department Store and One Door South and PMP. He served as past president of The Dodge City Chamber of Commerce. Mike was an early champion of green technologies and a founding investor in The Center for Alternate Energies in the early 70s. Later, Mike sold real estate for Jack Fraley and worked as an investment manager with Consolidated Investment Services and Oppenheimer. He then was a professor of economics at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City. Mike married Jan Watts in 1993.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jan Eckles of Dodge City; one daughter, Erin Eckles of Longmont, Colo.; one son, Jason Eckles and wife Kendra of Philadelphia, Pa.; twin grandchildren, Danica Noelle Denzler - Eckles and Jackson Park Denzler - Eckles; one niece, Allison Thomas and husband Patrick of Kansas City; one nephew, James Eckles of Topeka; great nephew, Kai Thomas and great-niece, Keira Thomas of Kansas City; and his constant companion, Barkley. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Patrick George Eckles.

A private family memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City. A Celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Ford County Humane Society in care of Swaim Funeral Home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.