David Paul Eckert

David Paul “David P” Eckert, age 84, of Huntington, IN, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

David P. Eckert was born on January 31, 1941, in Huntington, IN, to the late Raymond F. and Emma Jane (McVoy) Eckert. He married Mary Catherine Kindler on August 8, 1959, in Huntington, and together they celebrated 66 years of marriage.

A 1959 graduate of Huntington Catholic High School, David was lovingly teased by Mary, who often joked that he only graduated because she did all his homework. Dave worked as a plumber and pipe fitter for 39 years with Local Union #166 and was a proud member for 62 years. He was an active member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Huntington, serving as a Lector and on the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1014 for 50 years, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. In addition, Dave volunteered with United with Love of Huntington County, was a member of Moose Lodge #837, and coached for Huntington County Baseball. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing.

Along with his wife, Mary, he is survived by his children, Timothy (Sherry) Eckert, Christopher (Alane) Eckert, Laura (Edward) Hinen, Todd (Maria) Eckert, all of Huntington, IN, Andrew (Stephanie) Eckert, Andrews, IN, Nicholas (Jodi) Eckert, Mary Jane (Cory) Campbell, Nathan (Jami) Eckert, all of Huntington, IN.  

He is also survived by two brothers, Kenney (Cheri) Eckert, Raymond Eckert, both of Huntington, IN; and four sisters, Betty Kindler, Mary Jane Bartrom, Marilyn (Buddy) Hayes, and Diane (Jim) Carl, all of Huntington, IN.  

Dave was a proud grandpa to 27 grandchildren: Alicia (Kristin Ousley) Eckert, Caitlin (fiancé Cody Morris) Eckert, Ethan Richardson, Amelia Eckert, Ian (Gabriela) Eckert, Alec Eckert, Emma (Jamison) Kline, Luke Eckert, Huston Smith II, Tiffany (JJ) Martz, Jennifer (Opeyemi) Faronbi, Michael (Anna) Hinen, Anastascia (Matthew) Hogan, Auden Eckert, Olivia (Savanah) Eckert, Sebastian (Brook) Eckert, Aleah (Trevor) Wiley, Elijah Eckert, Caleb (fiancé Kylee Sheets) Eckert, Samuel Eckert, Madison (fiancé Conner Hamilton) Wohlford, Alexandria Campbell, Owen Campbell, Jaiden Eckert, Carson Eckert, Stella Eckert, Evelyn Eckert.

He was also a proud great-grandpa to 14 great-grandchildren; Lily, Huston, Juliana, Izabelle, Gabriel, Layla, Jamison, Isaiah, Benjamin, Chloe, Gerard, Ryleigh, River and Iris.

Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by two infant children; and six brothers, Thomas Eckert, John Eckert, Don Eckert, Fritz Eckert, Joe Eckert and Charles Eckert.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 p.m. all at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 860 Cherry Street, Huntington, IN.     

Additional calling hours will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 860 Cherry Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.

A private burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Huntington Catholic School, the Knights of Columbus Council #1014, or United with Love in Huntington County in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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