Richard Eckart

Richard A. Eckart passed away peacefully March 26, 2022 in Clarksville, TN. He was 89. Rich, as he was known to most, is survived by his wife Ruth Eckart (known to most as Wendy), and his four children: Steven (Vicki) Eckart of Clarksville, Tennessee; Elizabeth Eckart of Beaufort, South Carolina; Scott (Elsa) Eckart of Zionsville, Indiana; and Amy (Jeff) Meyer of Madison, Wisconsin.

In addition, Rich and Wendy have 11 grandchildren: Jessica (Ben) Wood, Benjamin Eckart, Lauren Gillespie, Christopher Beckman, Annie (Taylor) Moore, Margaret (Justin) Graf, Scotty (Katie) Eckart, Kyla (Jon) Smith, Kacie (Matt) Giunta, Abbey Meyer and Alli Meyer.

The Eckart legacy also extends to their great grandchildren: Elise and Elena Wood, Lucy and Levi Moore, Daphne Graf, Bailey, Emmersen, Calington and Adler Smith and Anna Giunta (due May 7, 2022)

Rich was born in Collinsville, Illinois on March 10, 1933 to Carl and Rosemond Eckart. His father was the oldest of 9 children, therefore ended up moving to the family farm with his three siblings, Donald, Edward and Dotty. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1951 and then to pay for his college tuition under the GI Bill, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Eckart’s had a deep tradition in the Lutheran Church, so he and Wendy ventured off to Valparaiso University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. Rich then completed his Masters of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1963.

Rich met the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Christine Wendell (Wendy), at Walther League Camp in 1953, and they were married August 24th, 1957 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois. They were married for almost 65 years and spent most of their life and careers in St. Louis, Missouri, where they were parish leaders at both Mt. Calvary Lutheran in Brentwood, MO and Concordia Lutheran in Kirkwood, MO. In addition to his various roles at several engineering and HVAC firms in the St. Louis area, Rich gave of his time freely to anyone who was in need. He served in many capacities within the church and other not for profits in Missouri. His actions spoke louder than words and he embodied a true servant-leader mentality as he served his family and community with tireless energy. He was not one to promote himself, he simply worked until the job was done.

Rich was known to so many people in different ways: husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, Grandfather, (he preferred to be known as PaPa, and Great PaPa) He was also inventor, engineer, designer, estimator, manager, foreman, problem-solver and leader.

Above all, Rich was a man with a deep and abiding faith in His Lord Jesus Christ and that was what guided him throughout his life. He left an important mark in this world through a life well-lived.

Celebration of Life will be held 4 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022 at GRace Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Saturday from 3:30 until the hour of service at the church.


In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Grace Lutheran Church, Clarksville, TN.

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