Carol M. (Eck) Debacker

Carol M. (Eck) Debacker, age 63, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Rolling Hill Assisted Living in Topeka.Carol was born on July 19, 1962, in Topeka, Kansas, to James “Jim” G. and Mary Louise (Moranz) Eck and was one of seven siblings. She was raised near Meriden on the family farm, where life was rooted in hard work, adventure, and the love that comes from being part of a large, close-knit family. She graduated from Jefferson West High School and went on to build a dedicated career as a Legal Assistant with the State of Kansas in the SRS Division. Her career was cut short when in 2005, Carol was diagnosed with brain cancer and after 20 years of service, she retired from the State. Carol suffered the loss of her beloved son, Brandon Hamilton, in 2001. Between the loss of her son and her cancer battle, Carol was a true survivor. She was always determined to make the best of each day. On August 3, 2015, Carol married Albert H. Debacker, Jr., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Topeka. Sadly, after 5 and half years of marriage, Albert passed away on January 6, 2021.

Carol lived with a spirited sense of adventure and a deep love for the outdoors. She found joy in hiking in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, traveling to upstate New York to visit family, and taking in the beauty of the world around her with a camera always close by. Her appreciation for nature, wildlife, and wide-open spaces reflected her free spirit and adventurous heart. Always holding on to her child-like spirit, Carol never missed an opportunity going all out for the holidays, whether dressing up with props, themed desserts, and showing off her wind up dancing figurines. Her wind-up Rudolph was her favorite.She was also happiest in the kitchen, listening to her favorite artist, Neil Diamond, while baking was one of her favorite joys. Carol loved making sweet treats, especially chocolate chip cookies, which she happily shared with family and friends. Over the years, her baking became a creative outlet, and she was known for adding her own special twist to cake mixes and desserts, making each one uniquely hers.

If ever there were a symbol that captured Carol’s spirit, it was the moose. Known affectionately as “The Moose Lady,” Carol surrounded herself with moose themed treasures, collecting figurines, trinkets, images, and anything else that celebrated the animal she loved so much. To her, the moose represented the outdoors, strength, wild beauty, and adventure, all things that mirrored who Carol was at heart.

Above all, Carol’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Her sons, Beau, Brandon, and Blake, filled her life with love, and when her grandchildren came along, her heart only grew fuller. She treasured every opportunity to attend their school events, sporting activities, and family gatherings. Carol’s life was a beautiful reflection of determination, creativity, adventure, and a deep and abiding love for her family.

Survivors include her two beloved sons, Beau Buschbom and his wife, Danyelle, and Blake Hamilton and his wife, Dawn; three cherished grandchildren, Hadley & Owen Buschbom, and Cammie Hamilton. Other survivors include her four brothers, Jim Eck and his wife, Donna, Louie Eck-dec., and his wife, Marilyn, Steve Eck and his wife, Cheri-dec., Tom Eck and his wife, Teresa; and her two sisters, Louella Faught (Ron Faught-dec.), and Vicki Narverud and her husband, David. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert Debacker, Jr.; and her son, Brandon Hamilton.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 P.M., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, April 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 227 SW Van Buren St., Topeka, KS 66603. A graveside service will then take place at 1:00 P.M., at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Meriden, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in Carol's memory to Midland Hospice Care. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.