Jack Edwin Eyster

Jack Edwin Eyster, SMSgt USAF retired, passed away at Montebello in Albuquerque, NM on June 12, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family who mourn his passing and honor him for a life well lived. His parents, Paul Dwight Eyster and Carol Lavona Brandeberry, were married in 1929 aboard a Stinson Detroiter 1,000 feet above the Allen County Courthouse, Ft. Wayne, IN. Jack was born September 3, 1930 on the Brandeberry farm at Metz, IN.

On New Year's Day 1948 he met Miss Carolyn Marie Gary of Scott Center High School at the Invitational Basketball Tournament in Fremont, IN. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force October 15 that year and rolled in to Albuquerque on May 19, 1949 in his Catalina tan 1948 Plymouth Club Coupe. The couple married at Metz Christian Church on September 8, 1951 and "set up housekeeping in a cute little doll house" they bought for $7,500 at 1333 Marron Circle in Albuquerque.

Early in his Air Force career he served at Eielson AFB, AK followed by service with the 4925th Atomic Test Group at Kirtland AFB. He then taught Leadership and Management at the Air Force Systems Command NCO Academy at Kirtland where he was named Command NCO of the Year in 1969. He prized the camaraderie of students and staff as a savvy shortstop and volleyball player. He saw a tour at Da Nang Air Base, then retired in 1972. He proudly served as Instructor of Leadership at Del Norte High School Jr. ROTC until 1990. He loved celebrating alumni when they came home to report. Said one, "He is the kindest, most honorable man I ever met." Another said, "I'm so thankful for his leadership and commitment to developing youth into future leaders."

He loved New Mexico's mountains and Native American culture. He modeled service to family and his Heavenly Father. He was without equal as Husband and Dad.

He is survived by his brother, Bill Eyster of Angola, IN; by his daughter, Gaye Marie Gruber and husband, Tim of Los Ranchos, grandsons, Josh Walters of Durham, NC (daughter, Piper Gaye) and Nathan Walters and wife, Sara of Ft. Worth, TX (children, Abigail and Ben); and by his son, Gary and wife, Melodie of Albuquerque, granddaughter, Amber Kennington of Albuquerque (children, Miles and Gavin), grandson, Timothy Eyster and wife, Stevieh of Santa Fe (kiddo, Evan).

The family is deeply grateful for the kindness shown Jack by the caregivers of Montebello on Academy and Roadrunner Hospice. Contributions in his memory may be made to Joy Junction. His life will be celebrated by the family this summer.