William Eugene Eckel Obituary

William Eugene Eckel, 84, of Pontiac, IL., passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 5:25 am at Tjardes Healthcare Center, Pontiac.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 10:00 am at South Side Cemetery. Reverend Gretchen Stinebaugh will officiate. The family has requested that all in attendance, wear masks and adhere to social distancing per Covid 19 guidelines. Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, in Pontiac, is handling the arrangements.
William was born May 26, 1936 in Streator, IL, the son of Andrew and Gladys (Shinkey) Eckel Sr. His mother, Gladys, passed away at a young age, on January 3, 1942. His father, Andrew, later married Hestel “Irene” Scurlock, who raised William as her son. William married Frances Graves on March 26, 1955 in Pontiac, IL. He is survived by his wife, four daughters: Cheryl (Donald) Starker, of Wilmington, DE., Trish (Gary) Alcorn, of Normal, IL., Suzann (Dennis) Locke, Bloomington, IL., and Lisa (Greg Colanto) Cardona, of Berwyn, IL., several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one sister: Peggy (Jerry) Jones, of Pontiac, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Andrew Eckel Jr., Clyde Eckel and Robert Eckel, and two grandchildren: Heather White and Jason Foley.
William graduated from Pontiac High School. He was in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1961. He was a past vice president of the Livingston County War Museum. William worked at Kroger’s as a produce manager for 20 years. He then worked for the Pontiac Street Department for 25 years, until he retired in 2002. He was a member of the Central Christian Church. He also had a membership to the Moose Lodge.
Memorials can be made in William’s name to the Livingston County War Museum Estes/Murphy Education Center or to the family, so they can donate it to a charity of their choosing.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at http://www.calvertmemorial.com