Orin Lee Eckhardt, age 87 passed away Friday morning, May 10, 2019 at his home following an illness.
Orin was born September 14, 1931 in Sanford, KS. His parents were Orville and Margaret (Arnold) Eckhardt. He had lived in rural Galena most of his life.
He graduated from Columbus KS High School with the class of 1950. In 1950, he entered the U S Air Force during the Korean conflict and was discharged in 1954.
He worked as a bus driver for the Columbus School System for 19 years. He was also a self-employed farmer. He was a contract grower for Butterball Turkey until his retirement in 2000.
He was of the Christian faith. He was a past member of CCLIA and SEK Poultry Growers Assn where he served on numerous boards and committees. He also actively supported Cherokee County 4-H.
Orin was married to the love of his life, Shirley Ann Fletcher on November 9, 1952. She preceded him in death Feb 19, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and 7 brothers and sisters.
Surviving are three sons, Dennis Lee Eckhardt (wife, Sue) Columbus, Roy Shane Eckhardt (wife, Tammie), Galena, and Bart Shannon (wife, Jennifer) Galena; one brother, Virgil Eckhardt, Bentonville, AR; one sister, Alma Jessee, Galena; 6 grandchildren, Jeremy, Amanda, Brandi, Kayla, Heather, and Shae; 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church, Columbus, KS. Pastor Jim Bowles will officiate. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery, rural Galena, KS under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church, Columbus, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus Saddle Club in care of the funeral home.
No comments:
Post a Comment