RICHARD LEE ECKHARDT

July 5, 1931 - March 31, 2018

ECKHARDT, Richard Lee, age 86, of Jacksonburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Richard was born the youngest of nine children to Charles W. and Sarah L. (Connaroe) Eckhardt on July 5, 1931 on a small tobacco farm at the far north end of Jacksonburg Road. Childhood consisted of chores on the farm briefly interrupted by going to school. After graduating from Wayne High School in 1949, Richard joined the workforce at Armco Steel, first in the mill and soon thereafter in the office. Before and after work Richard helped out on the farm. He would remain at Armco until his retirement, making many friends along the way. In 1960, upon the passing of his mother, Richard and his father moved to Jacksonburg to live with his sister Ruth and her husband Charlie Richardson and their two children, Eddie and Bill. Richard became more an older brother to Eddie and Bill than an uncle. Richard lived with Ruth and Charlie until their passing in 2008. In their latter years, Richard was their primary caregiver. He remained in the home until his passing. Richard loved roller skating in his younger days and made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed raising indoor plants, flower and vegetable gardening and canning with Ruth and Charlie. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, country music concerts, travelling with friends and he raised chickens for many years. He became a great cook and was famous for his peanut brittle and fruit cakes. In his later years he was especially close to his brother Jake. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Esther, Mary , Clara (Babe) and Ruth, brothers, Charles and George and nephew-brother, Eddie Richardson. He is survived by special sister, Katherine Chambers, brother, Jake Eckhardt, nephew-brother, Bill Richardson, many other nephews and nieces and many great and great-great nephews and nieces, dear friends Jim and Dottie Bruck and special great niece Tammy Richardson. Richard’s passing leaves a big hole in Jacksonburg and a bigger void in the hearts of his many family members and friends. Visitation will be Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, followed by services at 12:00 noon with Pastor Paul Hayes officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Gratis, Ohio. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.herr-riggs.com