Dale Edward Eckard

Dale Edward Eckard, 58, of Houston, Texas and formerly of Massillon, died June 11, 2013, following a brief but valiant struggle with stomach cancer. Dale was preceded in death by his father, Willard L. Eckard, and grandparents, Carl and Icy Eckard of Massillon and Harry and Pearl Borts of Massillon.

Survivors include his mother Betty Eckard, New Albany, Ohio; brother Paul (Lynda) Eckard of Gahanna, OH; nieces Jocelyn Eckard of Westerville, OH, Kandie (Jeff) Lowe of West Jefferson, OH, and Krystal Hamilton of Gahanna, OH; and nephews Justin (Tammy) Eckard of Westerville, OH and Kal Hamilton of Columbus. He was also survived by eight grand nieces and nephews and many close and dear friends all across the country. Born September 15, 1954, to Willard and Betty Eckard in Massillon, Ohio, Dale made Houston his home since 1986. Dale was a 1972 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School. After earning a degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1976, Dale launched a most successful career in human resources. His first position with BFGoodrich Tire & Rubber Company in Woodburn, IN eventually led him to a post at Vista Chemical Company of Baltimore, MD(formerly Conoco Chemicals). Later, he became manager, human resources and support, for Geon Company of Houston, TX. Then, for nearly five years, Dale operated Eckard and Associates Performance Consulting. Later, he served Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital as human resources manager before joining Letourneau Technologies Drilling Systems as human resources manager. He was promoted to vice president, human resources, and, ultimately, director in human resources for Cameron Drilling Systems in Houston. In addition, he attained the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, Institute of Management Consultants and American Society for Training & Development. Dale was well known for his infectious smile, wicked sense of humor, friendly and caring manner, generosity and high-energy leadership style. Perhaps first was his love of sports, especially football. As football season approached, he was a happy man indeed rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Houston Texans. He thoroughly enjoyed all types of music and performing arts, especially Cirque du Soleil, Pink Martini, Bette Midler and The Music Box Theater. If we are fortunate, some of us have friends like Dale. Here was a man who loved and treasured his many friendships and family members. He was kind and thoughtful. He lived joyfully. And yet, after he learned of his own health crisis, Dale faced death with true dignity and courage—becoming a useful and meaningful example for all of us. A celebration of Dale’s life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton, OH 44718. Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. with a remembrance service from 6 to 7 p.m. A private Interment will be held at Sunset Hills Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.