Franklin Eckert

Franklin Daniel Eckert, 80, passed away November 30, 2016.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Salem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will follow in Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Greenvine.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Franklin Eckert was born June 11, 1936 in Burton to John Winfred and Lillie Bernhausen Eckert. He was baptized August 30, 1936 in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Greenvine by Rev. C. Ziehe, and confirmed there on June 5, 1949 by Pastor E. C. Poehlmann.

Franklin was educated at the Greenvine School and graduated from Burton High School in 1954. He attended Blinn College and Texas Lutheran College. In 1956, he volunteered for military service and was inducted into the U. S. Navy, where he served on the Destroyer's Mate, USS Chevalier. He received the China Service Medal, and was honorably discharged on March 31, 1958.

On July 27, 1958, he married Doris Jean Mayer at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Greenvine, with Pastor Theo Sager officiating. They made their home in Brenham, where he worked for R. C. Barnes as a route salesman for Lone Star Distributing Co. In 1962, he became owner of this company, which he operated for 38 years, retiring in 2000.

Franklin was a member and past president of the Brenham Jaycees, the VFW Post #7104, American Legion, Brenham Elks Club, and the Sons of Herman. He was a former member of the Salem Fire Department and supporter of all area fire departments. He was very generous in giving to those in need and would help others any way he could. He supported area youth as a buyer at the Washington County Fair.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Johnnie and Debbie Eckert, and Roger and Jackie Eckert; daughters and sons-in-law Janet and Joe Green, Karen and Allen Schulz, and Julie and Tadd Maass; grandchildren: LeaAnn Schulz (Anthony Hill), Lynette and Aaron Nelson, Scott and Janie Schulz, Michael and Marian Eckert, Aaron Green (Hanna Molesky), Larissa Green (Elliot Davis), Trevor and Jill Eckert, Kristopher and Brittany Eckert, Jordan and Brittany Pieratt, and Peyton Maass; great-grandchildren: Jadyn and Malyiah Ausby, Lillie, Savannah and Wesley Nelson, Jahnni, Trevor, Sorin, and Falcon Schulz, Chet and Hudson Eckert, Easton Green, Laityn Davis, and Gunnar Eckert.

Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Lydia Heins, a sister and brother-in-law Pearlie and Richard Hanath, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Jean Eckert; parents, John and Lillie Eckert; parents-in-law Leslie and Olga Mayer; sister, Lillie Mae Eckert; brothers-in-law Charles Nienstedt, and Clenwood Heins, and nephew, Eric Paul Hanath.

Serving as pallbearers are Scott Schulz, Michael Eckert, Aaron Green, Trevor Eckert, Kristopher Eckert, Jordan Pieratt, and Peyton Maass. Honorary pallbearers are Franklin Menn, Fritz Jaehne, Willie Aschenbeck, Harlie Hackemach, the wonderful staff and residents at Argent Court, Dr. William Loesch, Robert (Corky) Loesch, Aaron Nelson, Elliot Davis and Anthony Hill.

Memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church.

Funeral arrangements for Franklin Daniel Eckert are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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