Anthony Eschliman

Anthony "Tony" Blake Eschliman, 31, Junction City, died on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Junction City. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington St. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hailey and Cassidy Eschliman Scholarship Fund.

Tony was born October 21, 1980 to Rick and Theresa Eschliman in Napa, CA. He grew up there and then his family moved to Indianola, NE where he attended high school. He joined the wrestling team and that is where he met his soul mate Anita. He was a graduate of Republican Valley High School. Tony joined the U S Army on June 1, 1999 as a Combat Engineer. He served a tour in Kosovo and two tours in Iraq.

While in the service he reached the rank of SSG and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 2006. After the military, he worked as the Drug Test Coordinator for the Army Substance Abuse Program at Fort Riley, KS.

Tony was blessed with two beautiful, smart girls who meant the world to him. He was proud of their many accomplishments and if you ever asked him, he'd tell you that they weren't dating until they turned 30 years old.

Tony's hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating, gardening, and working on his home. He was an avid NASCAR and Nebraska Cornhusker Football fan. He loved barbequing for his family and friends.

Tony is survived by wife Anita of 12.5 years and his daughters, Hailey and Cassidy of Junction City, KS. Other survivors include his parents Rick and Theresa Eschliman of Indianola, NE, his sister Sheree Hollenhors and her husband Jerome, nieces Emmeleigh and Olivia of McCook, NE, his grandfather's, George Thompson of Wilsonville, NE and Roger Eschliman of McCook, NE. Many aunts and uncles, close cousins Tristan and Dustin Chisholm. In laws Rod and Sue Lockhorn of Sidney, NE, Amanda and Chris Springer, Alicia and Matt Adams, Alexia and Brad Ernst and many more nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his grandmothers, Eldonna Thompson and June Eschliman.

Tony was known and loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.