Dave was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended St. Phillips Catholic Grade School, Clark Junior High and East Side High School. He was an outstanding athlete in basketball, baseball, football and track and field. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 22 which he learned many of his outdoor skills which he used all his life. He married Shirley, the love of his life in 1965. They raised 3 loving daughters. He stated many times his favorite memories and the best times of his life were boating with his family on the Kaskaskia River at their clubhouse. In his younger years he enjoyed and was well known for building and driving dragsters. He raced some of the well-known drivers of the era. And yes, the urban legend is true he “lit up” his dragster 3 times, once on State Street and twice on Church Lane. He served in the Illinois National Guard during Vietnam. He played Slow Pitch Softball at OLA for many years. Dave was a master mechanic for many years before becoming a Member of Plumbers Local 360. Dave and Shirley were the proud owners and operators of Eichelberger Plumbing and Heating for nearly 50 years. He was also plumbing inspector for several local municipalities and St. Clair County. He loved attending auctions, estate sales, yard sales and curb alerts. He loved buying and selling antiques and had an antique shop for many years. He served on the School Board at Shiloh Grade School for several years. He also served on St. Clair County Zoning Board for several years. He loved caring for and riding his horses and mules. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and Shirley traveled to Wisconsin every winter for over 30 years to snowmobile. Dave is best known for always helping his family and friends when needed. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many. Dave was the star of many colorful stories and memories that his family and friends will share for years to come.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Louis and Mary Virginia, nee Weir, Eichelberger; a brother, Ronald L. Eichelberger; a son-in-law, Brien K. Youngblood; a sister-in-law, Joan (Don) Johnson; a brother-in-law, Victor Hobbs; and a nephew, Ryan Trigg.
Surviving are his wife, Shirley Eichelberger; three daughters, Lynn (John) Fiedler, Michaela “Shelli” Eichelberger, and Renee Eichelberger; three siblings, Rebecca (Jim) Margherio, James (Geralyn) Eichelberger and Timothy (Kathy) Eichelberger; three sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Doug) Acorn, Cora Lee Hobbs and Sue Eichelberger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the family or donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Deacon Corby Valentine officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.