Neal Eugene Eckert

He was born to the late Curt and Ruth Eckert, August 02, 1938, in Belleville, IL. Neal received his undergraduate degree from The University of Illinois in 1959, followed by a MS from Cornell University in 1962 and a PhD from Cornell University in 1964. He married Sharron Derouen on March 28, 1981.

Neal was raised on a farm in rural Illinois where he attended school in a one room classroom. He was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity at the University of Illinois.. In 1964, Neal and his family relocated to Carbondale, IL, where he ran the family farm, Eckert Orchards. He served as the Mayor of Carbondale from 1971 – 1978, ran for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, and was also a member of the Elks Club.

Neal again relocated his family to Texas in 1978. They lived first in Houston for six months and then made a final move to Austin. He worked for AVS Food Services, owned Ace Typewriter Office Mart and Classy Cards, and owned The POOP (Previously Owned Office Products) Shop. His last entrepreneurial endeavor was as the owner of ETM Realty. All of his work experiences gave him a sense of pride, accomplishment, and enabled him to make long lasting friendships.

In his free time, he loved to play video poker, golf and spend time with family and friends. He especially loved to travel by cruise ship, taking memorable cruises to Chile, Italy, Greece, Alaska, Bahamas, Jamaica, various Caribbean islands, and Hawaii to name a few.

Neal brought so much joy to everyone he was around. He was always smiling and fun to be around. He cared deeply for his friends, whether they were colleagues, business partners, or personal acquaintances. He truly cherished every relationship.

Neal is survived by his wife, Sharron Eckert; three children Kim Eckert (Gilbert Cantu, Jr), Jon Eckert (Jennifer Eckert); and their three children Jasmine, Juliana, and Jayden; Del Eckert and his two children Madeline and Preston; step-son Don Derouen (Liz Derouen); and their two children Zakary and Marissa; and two Maltese puppies Bonnie and Clyde. He is also survived by his brother Lary Eckert (Judy Eckert); nieces Sarah Lanxon, Elise Land, and Jill Tantillo; nephews Eric Azumi and Chris Eckert. Neal was preceded in death by his sister, Jann Azumi.

If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Services will be held for family members and friends of Neal’s on Tuesday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, 9700 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78750, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life across the entryway.