Mr. Eckert was a local business owner. He was a graduate of the former Central Catholic High School, East St. Louis, IL. Charlie loved to travel and took many trips with family and friends. A real sports enthusiast, he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan, and was always ready to coach a youth sports team. He was instrumental in forming the St. Augustine of Canterbury Athletic Association. Charlie was an all-around true family man, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was blessed to have many circles of lifelong friends. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of the National Guard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Ellen, nee Wagner, Eckert.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mary Lois, nee McKane, Eckert, whom he married on October 8, 1955; two daughters, Mary Linda (George) Bass, and Laura Ann (Patrick) Bauer; six grandchildren, David (Jamie) Bass, Andrew (Sara Thies) Bass, Katelyn (Ryan) Fitzler, Claire (Zach) McCarter, Christopher Bauer, and Alaina Bauer; and seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kellen, Camden, Annette, Kai, Emmett, and Henrietta.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Freeburg Care Center for the care and concern shown to Charlie.
Memorials may be made to the Greater St. Louis Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, or to the Freeburg Care Center Activity Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Masks are required.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Masks are required.
Burial will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.