Roy William Eckhardt - May 16, 2018

Roy William Eckhardt, 96, of Moberly, died Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Ravenwood Terrace in Moberly. He was born December 3, 1921 in Wellman, IA to Louis and Dora (Witthoff) Eckhardt.

Roy attended school in Wellman where he graduated from high school. His youth was spent on his parent’s farm until his life was interrupted by the Second World War. He served in the U.S. Army and Air Force before receiving an honorable discharge. During his training at Sedalia, he met and married Maurine Hughes on October 3, 1944. He ultimately became a radio operator on C47 airplanes and served in the European theater ferrying everything from mail to ammunition to USO shows. A highlight was flying Frank Sinatra, Phil Silvers, Faye McKenzie and troupe around Italy.

After the war, he remained in the Army until he returned to his first vocation – farming. He and Maurine bought land outside of Cairo in 1954 and constantly expanded the operation until he retired in 1976 and moved to Moberly. After retirement, they wintered in Las Vegas but always returned to Moberly to stay in touch with friends and family.

After Maurine died in 1993, he lived alone until he was introduced to Carol Wright by Laura and Don Vanhouten. They were happily married soon after in 1998. The two traveled extensively and enjoyed each other’s company until Carol passed in 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Milo Eckhardt. Survivors include his son, Andy Eckhardt and his wife Susan of Green Valley, AZ, a granddaughter, Michele Kincart, two great-grandchildren, Jasmine Kincart and Tyler Kincart, other relatives and friends.

Many people in town knew and loved him. He had a knack for choosing great women in his life as well as life-long friends.

He recently resided at Ravenwood Terrace in Moberly where he had excellent care from a kind and loving staff. He had many friends, and a great companion in Laura Vanhouten.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 9:30 am. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Services honoring and celebrating Roy’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Committal prayers and burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the High Point Cemetery in Hughesville, MO.