Kenneth Ralph Eckler

Kenneth Ralph Eckler was born on December 28, 1941 and passed away on October 23, 2018. He was the middle child of three of Kathryn and Harold Eckler. Throughout his remarkable life, Ken pursued his passions and led a life of service toward others. As an award-winning photographer at The New Castle News, The Elyria Chronicle, The Sandusky Register, and the University Publications Department of Ohio University, Ken’s photographs reflected a love and fascination of people from every walk of life. His ability to capture true emotion in a single image was revolutionary in the field. Ken used his experience to create, publish, and distribute a weekly newspaper through his own company, Eckler Printing Company, in Youngstown, Ohio.

Moving to Texas in the late 1970’s, Ken found a home with The Dallas Morning News. His newspaper career continued to his promotion as Paper Quality Control Coordinator, a position that saw Ken design and build a newsprint quality testing laboratory that set award-winning standards for quality control. Throughout his career at the Dallas Morning News, Ken became a community leader, teacher, and model citizen. Ken taught photography at the Fine Arts Center, was an assistant coach for Odyssey of the Mind and Little League baseball, and served Central Congregation Church of Dallas as board of deacons chairman, church moderator, building fund chairman, and member of the stewardship committee.

Ken’s dedication to the community and to the education and development of youth led to a second career in education. Beginning his teaching career at Plano East Senior High School, Ken found a passion in teaching students with cognitive disabilities. His humor, positivity, and immense life knowledge made him an essential member of the faculty of Plano East for three years. Ken continued teaching at Shepton High School for three years and was honored as ATPE Associate Educator of the Year during the 2004-2005 school year. During his tenure at Plano ISD, Ken was a valued member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. He served as treasurer for the organization for eight years, earning an award for his integrity and dependability.

After retiring from Plano ISD, Ken discovered a rekindled interest in travel. Ken’s love of culture led to many globe-trekking jaunts with his favorite traveling partner, his wife of forty years, Amy Eckler. Together, they visited five continents, capturing their adventures in dazzling photographs. After his wife’s passing, Ken continued to travel and enjoy the wonderment of the world.

Despite the enormity of his professional achievements, Ken truly excelled at being a husband, father, and friend. He loved his family deeply and cared for their welfare above all. His every action was to ensure the best possible life for them. He is survived by his two children, Johanna and Alex, his sister Judie, his brother Charlie, and his two grandchildren, Kathryn Johanna and Evelyn Amy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Notre Dame School of Dallas.