William “Bill” L. Eckstein, 80, Jasper

William “Bill” L. Eckstein, 80, of Jasper, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019, at home.

Bill was born in Jasper on April 12, 1938, to Bernard and Rose (Nolan) Eckstein. He married Barbara Kieser on January 6, 1983, in Tennessee.  

Bill was a U.S. Army veteran who served on active duty from October 1955 to October 1959 and continued serving in the Army Reserves from October 1959 to October 1961. He was a professional mechanic in Connecticut and Bob Luegers Motors in Jasper and was also a commercial truck driver, hauling steel, produce and cargo for over 40 years. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper and American Legion Post #147. Bill enjoyed driving his truck, working on cars, and spending time with his family, grandchildren, and his dog, Holly.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi Eckstein of Jasper; children, Victoria Eckstein of East Hartford, Conn., Jonathan Eckstein of Jasper and Elizabeth Eckstein of East Hartford, Conn.; step-children, Forrest (Angie) Kieser of Jasper and Mary (Randy) Petrakovitz of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara “Genie” Isom of Greenwood and Irma Gudorf of Jasper; one brother, Thomas “Butch” (Joann) Eckstein of Jasper.

Preceding him in death are one son, Christopher “Charlie” Eckstein; six siblings, George “Buddy” Eckstein, Mildred “Millie” Stemle, Donald Eckstein, Connie Sue “Susie” Egbert, Ruth Keller-Smith, and Joan Wolfe.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.