William Harry Eckel

William (Bill) Harry Eckel went to heaven on June 16, 2012. He was born to the late Theresa Hinsken Eckel and Otto Eckel on June 23, 1922 in Koblenz, Germany. Bill was married to the lovely Margaret Zana Cecelia Becht on August 25, 1943. Bill resided in Rusk, Texas for the past 37 years.

Bill Graduated from San Antonio’s Thomas Jefferson High School in 1939

National Secretary and District Director for the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association; Past President of the local chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Past President and member of the Sons of Herman

Bill loved to travel and spend time with his amazing family; Very much a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Bill served in the US Navy from July 9, 1940 to July 9, 1946. During his service on the USS New Orleans Bill saw action at Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Coral Sea.

Bill is survived by his six children: William K. Eckel and wife Mary of Fairfield, TX, Charles V. Eckel and wife Fay of Kilgore, TX, EJ. Eckel of Gallatin, TX, Thomas H. Eckel and wife Kathi of Dallas, TX, Raymond A. Eckel and wife LaJuana of Paris, TX, Zana C. Garner and husband Don of Rusk, TX; Thirteen Grandchildren and Sixteen Great-Grandchildren; two nieces, one nephew, and several grand nieces and grand nephews

Preceded in death by his beloved wife: Zana Eckel; Mother: Theresa Hinsken Eckel; Father: Otto Eckel; and sister: Theresa Hovel

The family will receive visitors form 5:00 to 6:00 PM prior to the funeral mass that will be held on Tuesday June 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Tyler with Graveside services to follow at 8:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tyler, Texas.

Pallbearers for Bill will be his six grandsons: Ray Eckel, Josh Eckel, Matt Eckel, Joseph Eckel, Brian Garner and Kyle Garner

Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or the Pearl Harbor Museum in Hawaii