Harry Donald Eckler

HARRY "DON" ECKLER STAUNTON, VA… Don went home to be with his Lord Jesus, December 8th, 2018. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, March 31st,1930, to his parents Harry J. Eckler and Beulah W. Eckler. Don attended The Stony Brook School in Stony Brook, NY and later graduated from Houghton College in Houghton, NY. It was at Houghton College that he met his wife, Lois. Don served in the Naval Reserve from January 1951 through January 1959. As a young man, Don began his career painting alongside his father in the Eckler painting business. He was later a teacher and school principal, an educational textbook representative and after retirement he established the Eckler Microscope Company, traveling the northeastern states visiting schools to service and repair microscopes. Don had many hobbies. He was a small plane pilot, an amateur ham radio operator, he enjoyed metal detecting, and hunting for Indian artifacts. He became very involved in finding and researching ancient inscriptions found on rocks. In his retirement years, Don also participated as an amateur archeologist on several digs out west. Surviving is his wife, Lois, of 66 years, and four children, Michael (Martha) Eckler, Schuyler Falls, NY; Marcelyn (John) Johnson, Staunton, VA; Mark (Laura) Eckler, Avoca, NY; and Marianne (Dan) Lihos, Staunton, VA. Seven grandchildren, Andrew (Thess) Eckler, William (Rachel) Eckler, Michal Eckler, Rachel Eckler, Kristen Lihos, Brian (Jennifer)Roscher, and Erich (Samantha) Roscher. Ten great grandchildren, Anna Belle, Audrey, Joseph, Janelle, Samuel and Asher Lihos, Shiloh Roscher, Eliza and Eli Roscher, and Avett Eckler. Don is also survived by his special friend and brother in law, Jim Fenton of IL. Don was predeceased by his sister, Audrey Fenton and his granddaughter, Tina Marie Gagliardi. Don's family would like to thank the following for their attention and special care: Royal Care, Brightview Baldwin Park, Dan Lihos and Gary Michael. Don's children have always said that their father was the best father a kid could have. If desired, memorials may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, the American Bible Society or to the Alzheimer Association. Funeral services will be private. The complete Obituary may be read online @ www.henrvfuneralhome.net .