George W. Eckert's Obituary
George W. Eckert, 93 years of Columbia, IL, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 9, 2023 at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, MO. He was born February 17, 1930, in Columbia, IL.
George served the City of Columbia as an alderman for 16 years, and as mayor for 8 years. He had served in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of the Korean War, where he was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. He was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia, IL, American Legion Post 581, and the Columbia Gymnastic Association. He enjoyed trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park in Missouri, playing golf and getting together with friends, especially the 4th of July party that he and Betty held for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandson and granddaughter and his two great grandchildren.
Surviving are his son, David P. Eckert of Columbia, IL, son, Donald R. Eckert of Columbia, IL, daughter, Donna (Randy) Eckert of Millstadt, IL, grandchildren, Allison (Cameron) Bence, and Adam (Courtney) Eckert; great-grandchildren, Nolan and Jaden Bence, along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George F. and Adel, nee Klessen, Eckert; wife, Betty J., nee Daab, Eckert; two brothers, John Eckert, Philip Eckert; three sisters, Edna Nolte, Ann Bickel, and Bertha Jehling.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and Friday October 20, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Funeral services will be held following visitation on Friday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Humane Society of Monroe, County P.O. Box 164, Waterloo, IL 62298.
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