Obituary of Donald F Eckler

Donald F. Eckler of Vestal Donald F. Eckler, 74, of Vestal, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at the Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center. He was predeceased by his wife, Lillian, in April of 2008; and a brother, Robert Eckler. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Bob and Karen Eckler, Robin and Ray Bartholomew, Rick and Ellen Eckler, all of Endicott; grandchildren and their spouses, Carly and Brendan Gayer, Josh and Ann Eckler, Travis and Andrea Eckler, Paige Bartholomew, and Patrick Bartholomew; five great-grandchildren, Clare and Maeve Gayer, Brexton and Quinn Eckler, and Carmindy Eckler; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Shirley and Russell Irons, Binghamton, and Doris Fenton; sister-in-law, Phyllis Eckler; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Orpha and Irving Rosenbarker, Walt and Patsy Carmon, Keith and Nancy French, Gerald and Shirley Kowalewski, and Larry Campbell; also his groundskeeper, Tyler. He was a member of the Union Center United Methodist Church. He was a retired employee of IBM Endicott, with 32 years of service, and was a member of its Quarter Century Club. He was also a retired employee of the Raymond Corporation. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, serving as a sergeant and was stationed on Parris Island. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting with his friend, Ray Wanck. The family would like to thank Kathy Surdoval and the Rev. Brown Naik for their help and kindness. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Dr., Union Center. The Rev. Brown Naik, Pastor of his church, will officiate. Entombment will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Family will receive friends at the Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, Inc., 300 E. Main St., Endicott, on Friday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Building Fund of the Union Center United Methodist Church.