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Sunday's Obituary: Charles Eckman

Charles Eckman, 86, of Holtwood, PA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Julia Stapinsky Eckman, with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage on July 4th. Born in Fairfield, PA, he was the son of the late Ethel and Emlen Eckman. Charlie retired in 1992 after 24 years of service at Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, where he worked as a Security Guard, and 17 years of service at PPL's Holtwood Power Plant.

Charlie proudly served his country in the US Army (1942-1945), 501 Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne, where he fought in the Normandy Invasion and in the largest battle of World War II - the Battle of the Bulge. During his service years, he was awarded two Bronze Star medals with Oak Leaf Cluster, four Purple Hearts, the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem with Oak Leaf Cluster, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal, among many others. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Quarryville for 60 years. An avid collector of antiques, Charlie's true passion was hunting and collecting Indian artifacts and spending time with his grandchildren.

Charlie will be lovingly missed by his daughters, Nancy L., wife of Richard F. Rineer, Conestoga; Susan E., wife of David L. Karabaich, Lancaster; Sharon D., wife of Steven W. Byers, Conestoga; Cathy L., wife of Ronald B. Wagner, Conestoga; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy S. (husband of Geraldine) Eckman, New Providence. Charlie was predeceased by his four brothers: Kermit, Thaddeus, Marshall, and Ray Eckman; and one sister, Elsie Morrison.
There will be a private service at the convenience of the family. Interment with full military honors will be at the St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery in Quarryville. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send donations in Charlie's memory to Hospice of Lancaster Co., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Reynolds Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.reynoldsfuneralhome.net


NOTE: The obit was published in the Lancaster Newspapers.

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