Charles "Chas" Eckert

Charles "Chas" Eckert, 86, of Hutsonville, IL, died December 11, 2021, at Timber Creek Village in Robinson. He was born July 16, 1935, in Huntington, IN, one of thirteen children born to Raymond & Emma Jane (McVoy) Eckert. He grew up in the Huntington area and was a standout student-athlete, excelling in both basketball and baseball at Huntington Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1954. His ball skills were at such a high caliber that he was offered a minor league baseball contract as a young man! His athletic prowess should come as no surprise to those who knew the man well, as Chas hated to lose! It is likely that he was in the middle of a dominating performance at the Huntington Bowling Alley when a girl caught his attention. Her name was Judith "Judy" Colliflower, and they would eventually marry on December 1, 1956. It wasn't long before they decided to move to Crawford County to give support to Judy's family. Though he hadn't really ever stepped foot on a farm before, this city boy would end up making it his life's work from 1958 until the day he died. While it is true that Chas had stepped back to allow his son to manage the operation in recent years, Jim would be the first to tell you that his dad's (many) opinions and wise direction were still an integral part of the farm. It could be said that Chas had an extraordinary work ethic which, paired with his vast array of skills, led to an exceptionally productive life. He was able to accomplish much, both on the farm and elsewhere. He was a longtime Pioneer Seed salesman and was a vital part of a number of other businesses, from Heath and Atwood's Grocery to CIPS and Tuttle Bin Company. He and Judy were also instrumental in getting the Wabash Coffee House established, having managed it for its first two years before his son, Chuck, was able to move to the area and run it. He also played a vital role in a number of local organizations. He was a longtime member of the Crawford County Farm Bureau and the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He was a staple of the Hutsonville Fire Department Board (where he served as secretary and treasurer) and also served Hutsonville as a township trustee and clerk. This diehard Democrat was always very interested in politics and loved nothing more than to tease his Republican friends! It should come as no surprise, then, that his television was often turned to MSNBC, that is, when he wasn't busy watching a tennis match. Though Chas liked to watch the pros on TV, it was evident that he'd rather be watching his grandkids' events. In short, if his grandchildren were involved in a game, a concert, a play, whatever...he wasn't going to miss it. Words cannot describe just how proud he was of each of them, and he cherished any and every opportunity to spend time with them. Before they'd go, he'd often slip them a little unsolicited cash, which speaks to his generous nature. In fact, he gave away truckloads of sweet corn, potatoes, and turnips to his friends and neighbors, and in doing so, greatly enriched his community. Though he could be gruff and cantankerous, his kind heart shined through time and again. Chas Eckert represented the very best of who we are in that he gave us the very best he had. May we who are left behind do the same, living as a lasting legacy to this beloved old farmer. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Eckert (Hutsonville, IL); by his sons & daughters-in-law, Charles S. "Chuck" & Jackie Eckert (Springfield, IL) and James W. "Jim" & Shari Eckert (Palestine, IL); by his grandchildren, Jonathan & Lacy Eckert (Marshfield, MO), Elizabeth Eckert & Adam Kohlrus (Springfield, IL), Susannah Eckert (Palestine, IL), Joseph Eckert (Palestine, IL), Samuel Eckert (Palestine, IL), and Jacob Eckert (Palestine, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Cobi and Isla Kohlrus (Springfield, IL) and Tobias Eckert (Palestine, IL); by four sisters & brothers-in-law, Betty Kindler (Huntington, IN), Mary Jane & Don Bartrom (Huntington, IN), Marilyn & Buddy Hayes (Huntington, IN), and Diane & Jim Carl (Huntington, IN); by three brothers & sisters-in-law, Dave & Mary Eckert (Huntington, IN), Kenny & Cheri Eckert (Huntington, IN), and Ray Eckert (Huntington, IN); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Emma Jane Eckert; by five brothers, Thomas, Donald, Jack, Frederick "Fritz", and Joe Eckert; by his son, James Wesley Eckert (in infancy); and by his grandchild, Emma Jane Eckert. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 14th at the Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson. **PLEASE NOTE - THE FAMILY WILL REQUIRE THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR MASKS UPON ENTERING THE CHURCH AND ARE REQUESTED TO SOCIALLY DISTANCE FROM EACH OTHER AND THE FAMILY. A funeral mass will immediately follow the visitation and be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday with Reverend Fr. Suresh Sambaturu officiating. A live stream of the mass will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Hutsonville Cemetery. In memory of Father Solanus Casey's intervention that saved a young Chas following a life-threatening accident, the family requests that donations be made to the "St. Felix Catholic Center". Memorials may also be made to the "Hutsonville Fire Department" to be used for their Toys for Tots program. Envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.