William Nelson Eckler

William Nelson EcklerOf Horseheads, NYWas born May 29, 1928 in Rochester, NY the son of the late Earl Lewis and Leona (Chapman) Eckler passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, December 5, 2014 at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley (Harvey) Eckler, with whom he has enjoyed 63 wonderful years of life and love with; beloved children: son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Eileen Eckler of Ashfield, MA; daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Scott Suits of Winter Park, FL; grandchildren: Stephanie (Jarod) Suits-Carroll of Jacksonville, NC; Kimberly Suits of Winter Park, FL; Sean Eckler of Ashfield, MA; Ian Eckler of Ashfield, MA; great grandson, Shane Carroll; brother: Robert Eckler of Horseheads, NY; along with several nieces and nephews. His sister, Joanne Eckler Lynch predeceased him. William was a graduate of Southside High School class of 1948. He was a Veteran of the US Army and proudly served his country. After 35 + years of dedicated service, he retired from Hardinge Brothers as a tool maker. He was a faithful member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Elmira, was a member of the B.P.O.E. lodge # 2297 Horseheads, NY and the American Legion Bentley Trumble Post # 442 Horseheads, NY. Bill lived for taking care of the things he loved; the love of his life, Shirley, his family, his home and his cars. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Trinity Episcopal Church 304 North Main Street Elmira at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz will officiate. Private Interment services will take place in the Woodlawn National Cemetery where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Eckler Military Honors. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association 435 Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14620 or the St. Jude's Children Research Hospital 505 North Parkway Box # 3704 Memphis, TN 38105. Bill's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com