Eric Otto Eckhardt – October 27th 1933 – December 16th 2023

Eric Otto Eckhardt of Yoakum Texas died on Saturday, December 16th 2023 at the age of 90. He was the son Otto Adolf Eckhardt and Antonie Braeutigam Eckhardt born on Friday, October 27th 1933 in Fredericksburg Texas.

Eric attended Meusebach Creek School near Fredericksburg from grades 1-8. He then attended and graduated from Fredricksburg High School in 1951. While in high school he was active in FFA and played baseball. Eric joined the Army after high school and was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. After returning home he had a job in Houston where he lived and met Jo Ann Spies. He married Jo Ann on June 15th 1958 and they lived in San Antonio where he had a job as an egg inspector for the USDA. In 1964 they moved to Hallettsville, Texas where he took a job with Lance Inc, a job he had for 32 years retiring in 1996. He was married to Jo Ann for 36 years until her death in August 1994. They had 3 children; Tammy, Byron and Russell. In 1999 he reconnected with his high school sweetheart Gladys Gold Dittmar. Eric and Gladys married on November, 6th 1999. Eric and Gladys lived Yoakum, Texas. Gladys passed away in January of 2023. Eric continued to live at home with the care of some of the best caregivers in the world, until his passing.

Eric was a big supporter of Hallettsville Brahma Athletics. He attended many sporting events watching his children and grandchildren play. Eric coached little league baseball for many years in Hallettsville. He coached even when he did not have any children playing. Eric was big in FFA when he was in school. When his children entered high school he got them involved in FFA helping them with FFA show steer projects. It was something he enjoyed so much you could not keep him from helping even if you tried. Each year for vacation he would take a week off to attend the Houston Livestock Show with his children. One of the biggest thrills of his life was when his son Russell exhibited the grand champion brahma steer in Houston getting to walk onto the floor of the Houston Astrodome for the selection of Grand Champion. After his children were out of school he continued to help other kids with their projects. If someone would ask him for help or advice he would never hesitate to help. While living in Yoakum he was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Texas German Society. He was a big supporter of the church. He attended many home estate auctions collecting many antiques which can be seen throughout his home.

Eric is survived by his children, Tammy Garner and husband Jimmy, Byron Eckhardt and wife Theresa and Russell Eckhardt. Also his 5 grandchildren Dobie Garner and wife Julie, Brett Garner and wife Dorthea, Melany Eckhardt and fiancé Matt, Logan Eckhardt and fiancé Krisanne and Seth Eckhardt and wife Claire. Three great grandchildren

Elias, Dorothy and Nora Garner. Step-daughter Janet Rothe, Brother Donald Eckhardt and wife Carol and sister-in-law Josie Eckhardt. Also his caregivers Brigid, Constance and Tyisha which we would like to thank for the wonderful care they provided too him over the past years.

We would like to thank South Texas Hospice Dornburg Center staff  in Victoria for the care given him the last 5 days of life keeping him as comfortable as they could.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, wives Jo Ann and Gladys, brothers Gilbert, Alvin, Victor and Clemens and his sisters Esther, Adeline, Norma and an infant that died at birth.

Visitation from 5pm-7pm and prayer service at 7:00pm will be held at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville, Tx on Wednesday, December 20th. Funeral Service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Yoakum, Texas on Thursday, December 21st at 10:00am, with Pastor Alsen Wenzel Officiating. Buria l will follow in the Hallettsville City Cemetery in Hallettsville, Tx with a reception to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Hallettsville, Tx.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to South Texas Hospice Dornburg Compassion Center, Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Yoakum, St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville or to donor's choice.

Pallbearers will be: Dobie Garner, Brett Garner, Logan Eckhardt, Seth Eckhardt, Jimmy Garner and Kenneth Hoffmann. Honorary Pallbearers will be Melany Eckhardt and Eric's caregivers Brigid, Constance and Tyisha.