Charlie Vincent Eckel's Obituary
Charlie Eckel, 74, of Kilgore, died on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in a tragic four-wheeler accident while on his latest adventure. His accident occurred while in Arkansas with his cherished wife, Fay Eckel, along with two of his brothers and sister-in-law. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a friend to so many.
A Rosary will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Tuesday, October 3 at 5:30pm and the Visitation will follow from 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, October 4 at 10:00am at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Longview followed by lunch. A private family burial will follow at Tyler Memorial Cemetery.
Charlie was born on March 28, 1949 in Corpus Christi, TX. He was born the second of six children to William and Zana “Mickie” Eckel. Charlie served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Independence. He retired from Skeeter Boats after 30 years where he worked as Systems Manager/IT.
Charlie is preceded in death by his father, William Eckel and mother Zana Eckel of Rusk. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Fay, of Kilgore; his daughters Kristina Paniagua and husband Oscar of Tyler, Katherine Webb and husband Jim of Prosper, Kyla Zajicek and husband Michael of Tomball; his adored grandchildren Gabriel, Grace, Annie, Jacob, Luke, Sarah, Joseph, Andrew, and Matthew; brothers Bill, EJ, Thomas, Raymond and sister Zana; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Of the many titles he had, his favorites were Dad and Grandpa. He was actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren…he was their number one fan at numerous football, basketball, baseball and volleyball games, horse shows and piano recitals. Charlie was very involved at his church with the ACTS Retreat and the Kolbe Prison Ministries. He loved traveling the world with his soulmate, deer hunting, fishing and seeing the country on RV trips.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Charlie Eckel to: ACTS Kolbe Prison Ministry, Attn: Zana Garner, 435 FM 752 S., Rusk, TX 75785 or St. Matthew’s ACTS Ministry, Attn: Erika Ponce, 2800 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, TX 75604.
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