EARL B. ECKERT

Earl B. Eckert, age 89, of Columbia City, Ind. died at 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 5, 2011 at Peabody Retirement Home in North Manchester, Ind.He was born on April 5, 1922 to the late Paul J. and Agnes (Campbell) Eckert.

Born and raised in Huntington, Ind., he graduated from Clear Creek High School with the Class of 1940.He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

On November 4, 1944 he married Betty J. Lee in Huntington, Ind.They moved to Lee County, Florida in 1958 until 1975 then moved to Whitley County until 1998.From 1998-2005 he resided in Cape Coral, Fla.He has resided in Columbia City since 2005.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW, belonged to the American Legion Post #98, and the Columbia City Eagles Lodge #1906.He loved to fish and tend to his garden.

Survivors include his three sons, Steve Eckert of Columbia City; Randy Eckert of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Mark Eckert of Fort Wayne, Ind.; brother, Austin (Linda) Eckert of Columbia City; and sister, Phyllis (Richard) Reith of Columbia City; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty J. Eckert on March 8, 2004; and brother, DeWayne Eckert.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind.Funeral service will be on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross officiating.Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley, Ind.Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Eckert to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.Envelopes will be available at the funeral Home.