Edward D. Eckert, Sr.

Edward D. Eckert, Sr., age 89 of Hendersonville, Tennessee and formerly of San Diego, California passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024. Ed was born on April 10, 1935 in Middletown, NY to the late David and Beatrice Eckert. 

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Yoshiko Eckert in June of 2023. 

He is survived by his children, Edward Eckert, Jr. (Jacqueline) and Inez Willis (Mike); grandchildren, Christina Reed, Cherish Willis, Anson Eckert, Ciara Willis, Trent Willis, and Jacob Willis; great-grandchildren, Steven Mills, Garrett Mills, and Isla Eckert; siblings, Patricia Longcore, Dorothy Rombousek, Charles Eckert, and Wesley Eckert. 

Mr. Eckert was born and raised in Middletown, New York, graduating from Middletown High School in 1954 where he was a tremendous athlete participating in soccer, baseball, track, and basketball. He later continued his education receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences Public Administration in 1983 from San Diego State University. 

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring at the rank of E7 Chief Petty Officer. During his military service, Ed was assigned to the Naval Commincations Division beginning his naval career as a Radioman using Morse Code & continuing on to Cryptographic Security. Ed completed his service on the USS Lynde McCormick as Chief in Charge Communications Division. During his Naval career, Ed served in numerous duty stations all over the world and on several sea duty assignments including one year in Vietnam. 

After retiring from the Navy, Ed served as an IRS Agent for several years and finalized his career before retirement operating an independent business as a tax preparer, licensed real estate broker, and property manager in San Diego.

Ed was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church - in “Little Italy” San Diego, CA where he sang in the church choir. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball, was a dance enthusiast and was a member of multiple social dancing clubs in San Diego accomplished in Jitterbug, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Clogging, and The Hustle. Ed wrote and spoke the Japanese language fluently and would sing in Japanese performing annually at the Japanese Temple hall in San Diego, and was an enthusiastic runner completing multiple marathons. Most of all, Ed deeply loved his family, siblings, children, and his grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville, TN. Interment with Military Honors will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN.