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Thomas Eckes Obituary

DECATUR - Thomas Roy Eckes, 64, of Port Charlotte, FL, died Sunday, July 29th after a heroic fight against leukemia. Private family services will be held at a later date. Tom was born May 23rd, 1943, in Marshfield, Wis., the son of Gene Eckes and Ruth Sweet Eckes. He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Decatur for 36 years until his retirement in 1999. After wintering in Florida for several years, he and his wife, Carrol, moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 2006. He was a man of many hobbies including fishing, hunting, woodworking and tournament shooting. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and several local gun clubs. Surviving are his wife, Carrol of Port Charlotte, FL; daughters Michelle Kaufman of Englewood, FL and Wendy Kumke of Collinsville, IL; stepdaughter Claire McKinney of Aurora, CO; sisters Doris Moomey of Taylorville, IL and Pamela Terneus of Sarasota, FL; 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be dearly missed. Arrangements have been handled by Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota, FL. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp
Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Aug. 5, 2007.

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John & Carol Benda

August 9, 2007

Dear Carrol - We're saddened to learn of your loss. Life is such a fragile and fleeting thing. We pray that you can hang on to the hopes of an eternal resting place that is free from earth's pain and challenges. Unfortunately for the present, Tom's departure will leave a gap in your life. Cling to the good memories. You have our best wishes. Love, John & Carol

Chancey Ball

August 6, 2007

Carol- I had no idea Tom was ill until July 27. Lynett and I have been on vacation out in D.C. and to come home and see his obituary was very shocking at the least. I have to give credit to Tom for teaching me just about everything I know about photography. The work benches he built for me and our trip to Osh-Gosh Wis. to the air-show. We sure had a lot of fun back then together. Not to mention all the fun we had moving into the big house in Forsyth. Lynett and I are so sorry for your loss and hope you know that Tom had touched many lives.

Lori Coleman

August 6, 2007

Aunt Carrol,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers!! Love you!
Lori, Matt, Joni, Katie & Lindsay

Connie Denham-Lance

August 6, 2007

Carrol, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.

Shirley Monroe Watkins

Linda Werner Turk

August 6, 2007

So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Our family always thought highly of him. Michelle and Wendy, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, please stay in touch.
Aunt Linda

Tom & Faye Gibson

August 5, 2007

Carol and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Tom was a truly wonderful person and a great friend. We will always remember our hunting trips and outdoor time spent together. These are beautiful memories we will always cherish. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God bless you.

steven Jestis

August 5, 2007

Sorry to hear of the death of Tom. I knew him and his sister Doris since we were kids. I worked around Tom at cat some. He was a good person.

john arnold

August 5, 2007

tom was good man, i knew him from working at cat . i am sure he will be missed by all.

Mike & Shirley Barnett

August 5, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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