Harold Leroy Eckhoff

Harold Leroy Eckhoff of Mineral Point, Missouri departed this life on February 12, 2014 at the Washington County Memorial Hospital having reached the age of eighty years, four months and twenty two days. He was born on September 21, 1933 in Cadet, Missouri a son to the late Walter Eckhoff and Viola (Bone) Eckhoff. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by two brothers Jesse Eckhoff, Walter "Mick" Eckhoff, Jr.; three sisters Dorothy Portell, Charlotte Cavins and Shirley Detrich. On July 16, 1983, Harold was united in marriage to Melvinia Maness Skiles and they shared thirty year together. On April 26, 2013, Harold and Melvinia renewed their wedding vows at their home with Father Joe Welschmeyer. Harold was a member of the St. James Catholic Church, Potosi Elks Lodge, VFW 6996 and the American Legion. He served in the United States Army for two years and retired from the United States Air Force after twenty one years of service. Harold had great love for his country and his fellow service members. He loved the emblem of his country, the American Flag. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his wife Melvinia "Dumpy" Eckhoff of Mineral Point; two sons Harold D. Eckhoff, Jr. and wife Mary of Richmond Hill, Georgia, Timothy James Eckhoff and wife Shirley of Gerald, Missouri; one daughter Angela Tyre of Bourbon, Missouri; four step children Lisa Essmyer and husband Marty of Mineral Point, Gary Skiles and wife Cathey of Caledonia, Sam Skiles and wife Jody of Mineral Point, Allen Skiles and wife Karen of Sedalia; mother of his children Sarah Pich of New Haven; two grandchildren Timmie Lee Eckhoff, Calvin Tyre; six step grandchildren Mike Simth, Carl Smith, Angie Smith, Eli Boyer, Megan Labille, Stephen Smith; many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him. Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 1 PM at the DeClue Chapel with Father Roger Flemming. Serving as pallbearers were Gary Conway, Kyle Conway, Danny Eckhoff, JR Eckhoff, Eli Boyer and Calvin Tyre. Honorary pallbearer was Warren Malugen. Interment and final prayer were held at the Hopewell Cemetery where full military honors were presented by the United States Air Force and Local VFW Post #6996. Military honors consisted of flag folding and presentation and gun salute. Following the committal service, the family returned the VFW Post where a luncheon was provided by St. James Catholic Church. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.