Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Schoedinger Northwest

1740 Zollinger Road

Columbus, Ohio

David Eckelberry Obituary

ECKELBERRY David Eckelberry, age 47, a resident of First Community Village, passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born September 26, 1962, the son of Paul and Sandy Eckelberry. David graduated from Upper Arlington High School, and attended Otterbein College in Westerville where he played starting third baseman for the Otterbein Cardinals. His love for baseball began in little league and continued throughout his life as he taught and coached boys of all ages until his health declined. David's passion for life was evident to everyone who knew him. He touched many lives through his music and art. He was an accomplished drummer in the band "The Idea", who produced many upbeat songs and zany jingles. David was a prolific painter, his artwork and bright canvases brought joy to many people. David will be missed dearlyfrom his family and friends to the countless caregivers, nurses, and aids that took care of him at First Community. David's family gives their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people that have helped care for David over these past several years. Preceded in death by his father Paul G. Eckelberry and his cousin Evan Bentz. David is survived by his children, Paul Ryan and Katie Lynn Eckelberry, and their mother, Carla; his mother, Sandra Louise Eckelberry; sister and brother-in-law, Juli and Tony Dewar; brother, Scott Eckelberry; uncle and aunt, Jon and Jocelyn Bentz; niece and nephew, Grace and Johnny Dewar. Please note that the location of the Memorial Service has been changed to First Community Church/Main Sanctuary, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 instead of First Community Village/Burkhart Center. Contributions in David's honor can be made to National MS Society-Buckeye Chapter, c/o Jim Manos-First Community Village, 1801 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH 43212. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Eckelberry

Not sure what to say?





Tom Paskell

February 21, 2010

Sandi, Juli and Scott,

I am sitting here looking at David's picture and thinking about how easily he would make me laugh! There are those people that you know throughout your life that you will never forget, and for me, David is one of those people. He was such a good person. I will miss him.

February 5, 2010

It was such an honor to care for someone as wonderful as David. We are all better people for having known him. You and your family have touched so many lives at FCV. You will always be in our prayers.

Tim Harris

February 1, 2010

Eckelberry family,
I was saddened to hear of David's (Eck's) passing. He was a special part of a special team I had the good fortune to be a part of at Otterbein. He brought smiles to all our faces. We shared several special memories of Eck between us former players last week, which still made us laugh and smile. Blessings to you all during this time.

Ann Wollett Snyder

February 1, 2010

Dear Sandy and family:
We are so sad at David's passing, but take comfort in knowing he is with The Father and his beloved Dad. We have so many fond memories of David..from the days when we lived at Carriage Hill and you were there on Oak Hill. The great love of baseball , and the many games played with my Scott.
Please know that we keep all of you in our prayers.

Denise Todd

January 31, 2010

Sandy - I am so sorry to hear about David's passing. I am sure he appreciated all of your loving time you spent with him at First Community. It was always so nice to see you there when I stopped to see my parents. You always had a warm hello for everyone and were so caring to all the people living there. I know I will miss seeing you and David. Denise Todd, (Paul and Marietta Smith)

Brian Gibson

January 31, 2010

Mrs. Eckelberry & Family

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Dave and I have many memories that I will never forget. My thoughts of Dave only brings a smile to my face and anyone who ever met Dave feels the same way. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Eberry I will miss your spirit, your smile and love. I will look forward to playing ball with you again.

Gibby

Jenny Phillippi

January 29, 2010

Im so sorry to hear of your loss. David was such wonderful person and gave me lots of laughs. I worked with David back in 1997 (when I was in college, working at Papa Johns) or so and my husband at time became friends with him and his family. He will be greatly missed and Im very sadden to hear of this. I will forever keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jenny Phillippi

Amy Adams Deibel

January 29, 2010

David was in the grade below me in high school. I remember him as being that handsome sweet guy that I wished was in my grade! What a great smile. I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I only found out a year ago of his MS. My brother Todd (Class of '78) also has MS and is struggling severely with this disease. It has been suggested that he also go into a rest facility.

My heart goes out to your whole family and I pray that God's healing grace will help you through this difficult time.

January 29, 2010

What an impact he made on all of us. I loved David and will miss his zest for life. Every time I look at the painting he created for me I will think of him. Love to all of you, Betsy

Heidi Tomisich

January 28, 2010

Mrs. Eckelberry, Scotty & Julie,

My heart aches in saddness, but know that David is now in a better place. At peace....My mind is flooded with so many wonderful memories. He was forever the optimist. You couldn't help but be happy around him. Music, Baseball, Alf, Jolt, #23... just a few of the things that make me think of David. Know that I am thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Heidi (Keener) Tomisich

Eloise Hays

January 28, 2010

Dear Sandy == I am so sorry to here about David's passing. He went through so much and hopefully now he is no longer ill. My heart goes out to you and I hope that you will find much happiness in the future. Much love Eloise Hays

Jennifer Edens

January 28, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. I went to Otterbein with David and had the great fortune to spend many delightful (and often hysterically funny) hours in his company and watching him play baseball. He was a wonderful young man then (even kindly agreeing to play 'date' for me at a family wedding - an event that I am certain bored him to tears, though he never complained), and I am sure his enthusiasm and passion only continued throughout his life. Although David and I lost touch after college, he had always remained in my thoughts. Do know that the Eckelberry family is in my thoughts and prayers now, as well.

Allison Moody

January 28, 2010

The Eckelberry's lived on the street where I grew up, David was my first crush. He was always so athletic, I remember. Everyone on that street had boys, I think maybe there were only 4 females, including myself, who lived there. It was great, because all the boys were the same age - there were the De Santis' & the Abbruzzese's & then there were the Eckelberry's in their house at the top of the street. I used to stay up late to watch them all play baseball in the street. We lived on a cul-de-sac & the boys had spray painted the street one day to look like a baseball diamond. They were out there playing almost every night. I have fond memories from that time. They let me join in when they played kick the can or flag football. I used to always try and speak to David & he would pat me on the top of the head all the time, like I was just a baby. I'm 9 years younger than he is but I never felt like a baby when I would hang out with them. David, especially - always made me feel as though I was part of the team, too.
He will be missed.

Kathy Puccetti

January 28, 2010

Sandy, you may not remember me, but you and I shared some visits in the hallways at First Community when my husband was there in 2008. He had a brain tumor and passed away last June. You were such a beacon of strength and awe to me, as you daily cared for your husband and son - always, always there. You will be in my prayers as you enter this new journey in the coming days and weeks. May you take comfort in knowing that David is free of pain and basking in God's love.
Kathy Puccetti

Meg Scott-Best

January 28, 2010

I am so saddened to learn of David’s loss. Dave has been a part of my life on and off since junior high school. He was warm, thoughtful and creative. I saw him 6 years ago, just before we moved he was of course so supportive of our new venture out West. I am truly sorry for your loss. Dave made this world a better place. I am a better person for having him in my life.

Meg Scott-Best

Ken and Judy Pierce

January 28, 2010

Dear Sandy and Julie,
Ken and I are saddened about David but we know he had been ill for some time and if truth be known, he was probably ready to be with Paul. We are sorry we can't be with you but it just isn't possible since we are in Key West. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both!!
Ken and Judy Pierce

Brent Garland

January 28, 2010

My heart felt condolences go out to the whole Eckleberry Family. I have the fondest of memories playing baseball with Dave and being coached by Paul. I share in your grief.

Matt Riggs

January 28, 2010

I will always remember Dave as having a huge generous heart. My sympathies go out to Carla, Paul, Catie,Sandy and his entire family. Dave's spirit lives on in all whom knew him. Dave's optimism about what is possible in our lives was contagious. He will always be greatly missed.

Nan Paisley-Brunskill

January 28, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of David. He was a friend of my older brother, Bob Paisley. He and the band played my 21st birthday party. Some memories include his Alf doll on his drum kit and the Jolt cola. He always called me Agent 99 (from "Get Smart") because he thought I resembled her. What an nice, kind person. And what a blessing to have known him. My thoughts are with his family today.

Amy McCombs Fredrick

January 27, 2010

Dear Mrs. Eckelberry,
I am so sorry for your loss. David and I went to UAHS together and then met again when he would come over to visit Frances, our next door neighbor on Edgevale. David was always so funny and so real. I talked to David in December when I brought our church middle schoolers over to First Community for Christmas caroling. I know he is now at peace. I will continue to pray for David and your family. What a terrible loss. David was such a great guy, so handsome and such a great smile.
Amy McCombs Fredrick

Maya Connor-Harris

January 27, 2010

Maya Connor-Harris
God Bless the family in the time of your loss, I pray that God would walk with family, And God can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask. My prays are with your family.

John Cardwell

January 27, 2010

The Eckelberry Family;
I was saddened to learn of David's passing. I had the privilege to coach Dave at Otterbein College, get to know him as a person and understand his drive, determination and character. We were all blessed to have had him in our lives.
He took an interest in one of my children, actually making a bike for him and going out of his way to spend time with him that he didn't need to do yet he wanted to do it.
During this difficult time, know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

John Cardwell
Associate Head baseball Coach
Otterbein College
1981-1992

Russ (Rusty) Cardwell

January 27, 2010

I got the pleasure to meet Dave while Dad (JC) was helping coach Otterbein. 10 years younger than Dave, I was drawn to his love for baseball, optimism and genorsity. I still remember he found time to paint my bicycle a very hip metallic charcoal color while going to school and playing ball. More than that, he truly cared about people. He urged me to make wise choices in life of which I still remember 25+ years later.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God give you peace that passes all understanding.

January 27, 2010

To Carla, Paul, Katie, and Mrs. Eckelberry and the rest of David's family. It has been a pleasure to know Dave and he was like an extention of our family. When we moved out to Davis Road in 1987, Shawn was just seven years old when we met Dave. Dave was like a big brother to Shawn. He was always fun and always joking.
I went to the nursing home to visit him on Monday, but I was too late.
He will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to all of you. God bless.

Linda VanGundy
Hilliard, Ohio

Dave Wolfe

January 27, 2010

Dave and I played ball together through junior and high school, and were inseperable buddies for many years. It was at my house where Dave and Carla met by chance not so many years ago, in Florida. Dave was a special guy who could light up a room with his smile and had a heart as big as Mississippi. I loved him like a brother and will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Carla, Sandy, Paul and Katie in their time of grief.

Sue (Wolfe) Minor

January 27, 2010

Sandy, Juli, Scott, Carla - it is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincerest condolences for your loss. My brother Dave was great friends with David and he became like a brother to me as well for many years. He will always have a special place in my heart. Blessings and prayers to David's family and friends. Sue (Wolfe) Minor, Gilbert, AZ

Cam Hieronymus

January 27, 2010

Dave used to come into Smokers Haven when my husband, Cliff and I had the cigar store. He was a delight to talk to and share UAHS stories. He was quite a storyteller. My sympathy to the Eckelberry family. I remember Dave as a fun loving guy! Rest in peace, Dave.

Michael Ryan

January 27, 2010

I had the pleasure to attend grade school with Dave and play little league ball with him, as we grew up in the same neighborhood. I will remember Dave's awesome smile and his exceptional kindness always!

God Bless you Dave!

Karen Wolfe

January 27, 2010

Carla, Paul & Katie, So sad to hear this news. My memories are all happy ones. He and Dave were such great dare devil friends. :-) And our daughter Emily shares his birthdate. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be in your heart and is now at peace.
Love, Karen, Natalie and Emily

Ob Hartman

January 27, 2010

I was 15 when I met Dave while playing together on an all-star baseball team. Little did I know we would continue to be teammates for another 20 years. Dave always made the ball park a fun place to be and baseball more than just a game.

Eck, you'll be missed by everyone who had the honor to play on the same field with you. Now you have the chance to play once again. Play Ball!

January 27, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was one of the most creative people I have ever known. He was full of life and smiles all the years I was around him. I was fortunate enough to play and record in his The Idea band (Automatic Dog Wash) Those were the days! Love and miss you Dave!
Molly Pauken

Gerry & Fran Moody

January 27, 2010

Sandy, we were saddened to learn of David's passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and David's family in this time of sorrow.

Jim Ramsay

January 27, 2010

Thoughts and prayers to his family. I knew Dave in Jr. High and High School.
Always a fun and funny guy to be around. Always thinking positive.

Dawn Kieler

January 27, 2010

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ginny McGuire

January 27, 2010

Sandy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We are sad to hear of David's passing but know that he is now at peace in the hands of the Lord.

Dave Whitehead

January 27, 2010

I first met David during the summer of 1979, on the baseball field, we became instant friends. From that summer, thru our days at Otterbein and seeing each other in Hilliard until I moved to Cincinnati; it was always great to see and talk with David.
His sincere love for life, baseball, family and friends will be remembered by all those lucky enough to get to know him. David was truly one of the most creative people I have met. My memories are cherished.

My thoughts and prayers are with Carla, Paul, Katie, Sandra Louise & and all that knew David.

Shaun Gannon

January 27, 2010

Dave will be missed by many of us who would sit and talked with him. A great friend, now and forever! My Prayers go out to all those who have been touched by Dave.

January 27, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family--It was my pleasure and honor to have met David. I Will miss him however the memories of him live in me.---Sincerely,Elizabeth Kay

Dee and Roy Secrest

January 27, 2010

I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Carla, Paul, and Catie. David is in the graceful hands of God and he will be greatly missed by all of us. My prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Make a Donation
in David Eckelberry's name

Memorial Events
for David Eckelberry

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Schoedinger Northwest

1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Eckelberry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more