Edward W. Eckels

            Edward W. Eckels, 77, of Altoona was peacefully called away from his home to be with the Lord Thursday morning March 14, 2019.

            He was born December 29, 1941 in Altoona son of the late Charles and Helen (Shingle) Eckels. He married his high school sweet-heart Frances C. Wertz, whom he lovingly called Francy, on December 19, 1959 in Hollidaysburg. He was a 1959 graduate of Altoona High School.

            Surviving are his wife; four sons, Randy E. Eckels and his wife, Cynthia of Mechanicsburg; Steven C. Eckels of Hollidaysburg; Eddie B. Eckels and his wife, Venus of Sinking Valley; Travis (T. J.) Eckels and his wife, Courtney of Chester Springs; six grandchildren, Tiffany O’Donnell and her husband, Brian; Heather Eckels and her significant other Ryan Melick; Eddie B. Eckels, Jr. and his wife, Marie; Dylan Eckels; Maddie Eckels; Ryan Eckels; and a great granddaughter, Elizabeth O’Donnell; a sister, Karen Lose and her husband Lewis “Chip” of Bellefonte; nieces and many close family and friends.

            Ed was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Emma (Ross) Shingle and his paternal grandparents, Edward O. and Fannie (McKee) Eckels. Mr. Eckels attended Grace Bible Church, Hollidaysburg where he was also a member of the Wednesday men’s work crew for many years, helping with numerous maintenance projects.

            Ed retired as a Senior Relay Technician from Penelec in 2006 following over forty years of service. He served in many capacities throughout his long tenure with the electric company, including over 35 years as the Utility Workers Union of America secretary. In 1993 he was a key member of a labor-management team recognized by the Governor’s office with a Labor-Management Cooperation award.

He greatly enjoyed fishing, wood-working, riding his Can-Am motorcycle and driving his convertible car with his wife and friends. One of his greatest joys was helping his sons, and their families, with numerous home and business improvement projects. He was truly an artist with any tool in his hands and never discovered a problem he couldn’t fix.

            Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church, 164 Laurel Lane, Hollidaysburg on Saturday March 16, 2019 where a funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Lou Hileman officiating. All are cordially invited to join the family at a luncheon, in honor of Edward, at the church immediately following the funeral service. Interment will be made at Alto Reste Park Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to the Grace Bible Church, 164 Laurel Lane, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

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