William L. Eckart

William Lee Eckart, 73, passed to the Lord on May 19, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo., with family at his bedside. Bill was born March 18, 1939, in Fort Worth, Tx., the third son of Edward and Sophia Eckart. His siblings included Vincent, Victor, Robert, and Richard. Bill attended Catholic schools, graduating from Redemptorist in 1956. He served a four year apprenticeship to become an electrician and was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard for six years. Bill married Francis Wylene McGuire Feb. 13, 1960, at Redemptorist Catholic Church. He was a wonderful father to eight children all of which graduated from Archbishop O'Hara High School. After losing Wylene, Bill married Barbara Jean Durbin Feb. 24, 2001, at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church of which he was a longtime member. Bill's faith and family were most important to him. He had a great passion for the arts, which included the Kansas City Symphony and the Ballet. Bill was a 50+ year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #124. Prior to his retirement Bill was an apprenticeship instructor for four years and passed along his knowledge to future electricians. He was a Serra Club member for six years and President of Vocations. Bill is survived by his spouse Barbara, his children William (Suzie), Jennifer, Cindy Schwartze (John), Tim (Kerry), Rebecca, Dan (Jennifer), Patty Nigro (Steve), Jim, and step daughter Penny Williams (Blake). Bill had 15 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Wylene, his brother Vincent, and step daughter Robyn Pounds. A visitation will be held Fri., May 25, 7-9 p.m. beginning with a rosary. Mass of Christian burial will be Sat., May 26, at 10 a.m. All services will be held at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church, 13000 Bennington, Grandview, MO 64030. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and volunteers of the Catholic Community Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212. Condolences may be made at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com. McGilley and George Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 12913 Grandview Rd, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250 www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com