A US Army-Air Force veteran serving during WWII, he attended Cadet School and piloted the B-42 bomber. Dick was employed as a machinist at T.B.Woods and Sons in Chambersburg; where he retired in 1984. He was a member of Carrick United Methodist Church, a life member and Past Commander in 1982, '83, and '84 at Wesley Yeager Post 606 American Legion in Fort Loudon, and was a member of James W. McCartney Post 232 American Legion in Dry Run. He enjoyed gardening, airplanes and spending time with his family. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine Jones Eckels, whom he married November 6, 1954; his son, Richard M. Eckels II and wife Julie of Willow Hill; two sisters, Donna Walter and husband Robert "Red", and Peggy Fegan and husband Jim, all of Chambersburg; as well as a brother, Harry Eckels and wife Betty of Hummelstown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Jack Eckels; and two sisters, Martha Feldman and Virginia Newcomer. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Graveside services, with military honors by members of the James W. McCartney Post 232 Color Guard, will be private with Rev. Marlin Neil officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Metal Township Fire Company, c/o Michelle Junkin, PO Box 185, Fannettsburg, PA 17221, or to Carrick United Methodist Church, PO Box 247, Fort Loudon, PA 17224 |
