Richard Eckhart

Richard M. Eckhart, 85, of Niantic, IL passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at his residence. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 10:30am at the Niantic Christian Church with the visitation from 9-10:30am. Burial will be in the Long Point Cemetery; Niantic, IL. Memorials may be made to the Niantic Christian Church. Richard was born on Jan. 14, 1929 to Frank and Bertha (Eckhart) Montgomery in Norcatur, KS. His mother passed during childbirth to his brother, Ramon. When he was 14 months old, his grandmother, Lucy (Secrest) Eckhart adopted him. Richard married Mildred (Stahl) Eckhart on July 5, 1953 in Niantic, IL. Richard graduated from Niantic High School in 1946. Richard was a U.S. Army veteran, and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He served our country for two years and was stationed in Korea during the Korean conflict. He was a life long member of the Niantic Christian Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Trustee, President of the Board and sang in the choir. He was a Charter member of the Niantic Civic Club, Long Point Cemetery trustee, and Niantic Township assessor. He also served as Scoutmaster for many years with Boy Scout Troop 91 in Niantic. He worked at the State Bank of Niantic for 48 years, retiring in 1994 as vice-president. Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mildred; children Kevin (Dawn) Eckhart of Katy, TX and Craig (Ginny) Eckhart of Riverton, IL; half-sister Phoebe Stutheit of Norton, KS and her daughter, Sue Ann; and sister-in-law Marilyn Brown of Walla Walla, WA, along with her daughters Connie and Jerri. In addition to 7 grandchildren including Tracy Wofford, Emily (Justin) Mabry, Scott (Katie) Eckhart, Zach (Kristen) Eckhart, Jake (Caitlin) Eckhart, Austin Eckhart, Erik Eckhart, and 2 great-grandchildren including Pierson and Addison Wofford. Richard was preceded in death by his brother Ramon Brown. "
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