Obituary for Elton L. "Butch" Eckert

Elton L. "Butch" Eckert, 80, of Kutztown passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.  He was the husband of Marilyn V. (Loy) "Pal" Eckert. They were married February 24, 1962.  Born in West Reading, he was a son of the late J. Lester and Anita (Smith) Eckert.  Mr. Eckert was a member of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ Church, Kutztown, where he formerly served on the Consistory, as both an Elder and Deacon; served on the building committee, served as financial secretary; and served on the property committee. Elton honorably and faithfully served his country as a Private First Class, Military Policeman in the United States Army, then following his discharge and while in the Army Reserves, he was recalled to active duty by executive order of President John F. Kennedy, and served as a Specialist 4th Class, during the Viet Nam War. 

Butch was a member of the first graduating class from Brandywine Heights Area High School in 1956.  Elton worked as a licensed  journeyman plumber for Plumbers Local 690, Philadelphia, from 1964 until his retirement in 1998.  Butch was a member of Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion and its Honor Guard, NRA, Topton Fish & Game Association, Bowers Lions Club, and served as a driver for disabled veterans of Berks County.  He also enjoyed rabbit hunting, fishing, archery, snowmobiling, woodworking and spending time with his wife and family at his cabin in Potter County.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Marilyn, Elton is survived by a daughter, Cheryl A. (Eckert), wife of, Jesse A. Reed, Mertztown; and a son, Andrew E., husband of, Renée L. (Haring) Eckert, Hamburg.  Other survivors include two sisters, Janet E. (Eckert), widow of, Kenneth McNary, Durham, NC; and Mary Alice (Eckert), wife of,  Nicholas Bentz, Shillington.  There are four grandchildren, Benjamin A., husband of, Kara (Bubbenmoyer) Reed; Daniel A., husband of, Ashley (Schreiber) Eckert; Hannah E. Reed; and Jonah P. Eckert. There is also a great grandson, Wyatt A. Reed; and his faithful beagle, Chase.

A memorial service to celebrate Butch's life will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018, at 12:00 noon in Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, with Reverend Corrine R. Dautrich officiating. Relatives and friends may call Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the church.   Private Inurnment with Military Honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, and the US Army, will take place in The Garden of Honor at the Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion 133 East Centre Avenue, Topton, at the convenience of the family.

The family requests contributions be made in Butch's memory to  Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 S. Whiteoak St., Kutztown, PA 19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.