Howard D. Eckhart, 89 of Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas Eve, December, 24, 2014. Born in Hopeland, PA on January 9, 1925, he was the son of the late Stuart E. and Maude Dailey Eckhart. He was the husband of Jessie Jones Eckhart to whom he had been married 67 years.
Dr. Eckhart attended a 2 room schoolhouse in Hopeland, PA. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1941 (at the age of 16.) He attended Franklin and Marshall College for one year, and then enlisted in the United States Navy (before the age of 18; he got special permission.)During his time in the Navy, he worked as a technician on the Submarine USS Blenny, SS324 (Pacific Theater) and was stationed in Perth, Australia. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Commendation Ribbon, Submarine Combat Insignia and the Good Conduct Ribbon.
Dr. Eckhart stayed in the Navel Reserves, and during that time he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1949. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 1953 and served as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Lt. Commander.
After a solo practice of oral surgery at 616 N. Lime Street in Lancaster, his son, Dr. Michael Eckhart joined him, and in a few years helped found Conestoga Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd. in 1988 and practiced there until his retirement in 1991.
He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity (of F & M,) Xi Psi Phi Fraternity (a dental fraternity,) Omicon Kappa Upsilon Society (a dental honor society) as well as member and past president of the Lancaster County Dental Society, 5th District Dental Society and Middle States Oral Surgery Society. He was a proud recipient of the H. K. Cooper Award in Lancaster.
Dr. Eckhart was also a member of Lancaster Country Club, Lancaster Aero Club, Pirates Club of Lancaster, Ground Hog Lodge, Quiet Birdman Club and former member of Saucon Valley Country Club, Tuquan Club, and Sertoma Club. He was also a member of the National Military Officers Association and a local member of MOAA.
He was an avid golfer and accomplished pilot, and enjoyed skiing, boating, hunting, woodworking, gardening,and traveling with his wife Jessie in their airplanes. He was well known for his “killer” horseradish and enjoyed sharing it with his friends.
In addition to his wife, Jessie, Dr. Eckhart is survived by three sons and their families: Howard S., husband of Bonnie L. Eckhart of Lancaster, and their daughter Katie J. L. Eckhart of Harrisburg; Dr. Michael P., husband of Deborah L. Eckhart of Lancaster, and their children Stephanie L. Eckhart of Salt Lake City, UT, Suzanne C. Eckhart of New York City, NY, and Jennifer E. Eckhart of Baltimore, MD; and David J., husband of Mary L. Eckhart of Chester County, and their children Derek D. Eckhart of Philadelphia, and D. Jacob Eckhart of Chester County. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank A. and Alvin Eckhart and a sister, Lola Eshelman.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, corner of Lititz Pike and Delp Roads, Lancaster, PA at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Ephrata, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Eckhart’s memory may be sent to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Lisa Carrigan
My most sincere condolences to Jessie, Michael and Deb and the rest of this wonderful family. I will always remember Howard’s generosity and sense of humor. Thinking of him always brings a smile to my face and he will always have a place in my heart. Lisa
Deborah Benson Everett
Dear Mrs. Eckhart and Family,
I well remember my father, Clifton E. Benson, DDS, referring to your husband and yourself, as friends from many years ago. Our family sends to you all our deepest sympathy.
Deborah Benson Everett
Oak Bluffs, MA
Keith E. Yoder
Howie,
As your sixth grade teacher, I remember the plane trip that you arranged for your father to take us to lunch at the Harrisburg airport. It was a special time of hospitality and honor for me.
God bless you and your family richly as you honor him in this time of transition.
Lawrence Folly
Jessie, Howie, Mike, and David,
I am so sorry to hear about Howard’s passing. As long as you have good memories of someone, they are never really gone, and I have so many fond memories of Howard and all of you. I feel I am a better person for having known Howard and feel privileged to be able to consider him my friend. I think of all of you often, and with deepest sympathy I send my best regards to each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Larry
Jeffery T Troop
Mike Eckhart & Family
I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing, It is hard to lose your Father , friend and mentor but as long as you have good memories it will make it easier. we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Jeff troop & family
Joan Reid
At a MOAA picnic a decade or so past, Howie was reminiscing (as many men were ) about his WW11service. I said” Why the Submatrine Service?” . He said “Because I would come back whole or not at all.”. I thought that very brave for a young boy. Having a bit of claustrophobia , myself, I never forgot the image his statement invoked. Jessie and Howie raised a great family and they all must have incredible memories of their adventures together. You are in my heart.
Craig E. Lady
To my fellow Quiet Birdman, God bless you on your flight west.
Jay Robinson
I will miss Howard and his occasional scoldings.
Sincere condolences from Joy and me.
Deborah Fultineer McCartney
My deepest sympathy to you, Mrs. Eckhart, and your family. My Dad and Mom ( Ted and Emma) always had the best stories to share of you and your family and I remember visiting you and your boys when I was pretty young. Bless you.
Heather Hill - EPA 99's
We are so sorry for your loss – our prayers and thoughts are with you & your family.
Sincerely,
Heather
Margaret Wagner
Dear Mrs. Eckhart and family,
My sincere condolences! It is hard to lose a husband and father, and words can’t adequately provide comfort. I so appreciated seeing all of your family at your holiday drop ins, and know how much Dr. Eckhart will be missed.
Sending you all hugs and love,
Margaret
Teresa Riegner Allison
Mrs. Eckhart and family:
I worked with Dr. Eckhart at LGH in the 70’s as a young surgical tech. He was fun and an awesome surgeon. In the early 80’s I moved to CA and needed my wisdom teeth out. I had no insurance to cover the surgery. I came home to PA and Dr. Eckhart removed my wisdom teeth in the office and I am sure the cost was less than the normal fee. He was a wonderful man.
My sympathies to you all.
Gene Hannum
To the Eckhart Family;
Audrey and I send condolences to you all on Howard’s passing. Whether on the golf course, the Tucquan Club or the gin table he was a joy to be with. He will be greatly missed.
Chuck Simmons
Jessie, Howie, Mike & David:
Sincere condolences. Many fond memories of ‘Doc’ and you all at KLNS.
Truly in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Williams
Dear Jessie and family members,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for blessings and comfort. Jessie, I am here whenever or whatever you need. Orchard Road just won’t be the same without Howard. I will miss his stories.
With love,
Nancy
Steve and Janine Guinter; Steven and family; Betty Atkinson
We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful and full life he led which has to give you comfort. So many good memories of family and friend times and those Christmas Eve gatherings. Please know if there is anything we can do, we are there for you.
Pastor Samuel Geiger
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jessie and family over your loved one lost. God be praised for comfort and peace given to you especially at this difficult time.
Patricia Solecki Collins
Dear Mrs. Eckhart and family,
My sincerest condolences at this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will find solace knowing that he has found peace. May he and my dad have a blast up there!
Pat
Rita Good
Jessie, Howie,Michael& David
I am so sorry I didin’t make the memorial service today. I tried but the roads were very icy, so I turned around and came home.
I really wanted to give you my sincere sympathy of the death of your father. I also wanted to see the three men that I babysat years ago. Your dad was the best boss I ever had. I have such fond memories of all the Eckhart’s.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rita Good
Don & Brenda Smith
Jessie, You and Howard have been such wonderful friends for so many years. Howard’s tales of the seas and ventures in flight never failed to enthrall us all. We will all miss him so much, maybe not some of the jokes but you know there was only one perfect man and Howard is holding his hand now. A big hug until we meet again soon. Love, Don and Brenda Smith
Bob Reinisch
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (On USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Jessie and all of the Eckhart family and friends in your loss and sorrow. May God whisper peace into your hearts and comfort and heal them. We are grateful for Howard’s service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” … “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country.” — Chaplain Bob Reinisch, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.