Walter Oliver Eckert Jr.

1928 - 2020

Walter Oliver Eckert, Jr., age 91, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday March 15, 2020. Walter was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, born on August 19, 1928, to Marie C. Quinn Eckert and Walter Oliver Eckert, Sr. Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Pauline DiLeo Eckert. Walter is survived by his four children, Walter Eckert II, (Linda), Paul Eckert, (Carla), Lizabeth Dominick, (John) and Daniel Eckert, Sr., (Sue). He was affectionally referred to as 'Papa' by his seven grandchildren, Walter Eckert III, (Laura), Celeste Davis, (Michael), Jay Eckert, (Tracy), Lauren Ploch, MD, (Stefan), Daniel Eckert, Jr., Paige Dominick, Madelaine Eckert and his four great-grandchildren, Andrew Davis, Haley Eckert, Audrey Eckert and Marigny Eckert. He's also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Walter attended Sacred Heart Elementary School on Canal St. and was a proud graduate of Warren Easton High School, class of 1946. Upon graduation, Walter joined the United States Marine Corp and served as an MP along the Eastern Seaboard of the US, stationed in the Carolinas, Washington and New York. Upon his honorable discharge in 1948, he returned to New Orleans to begin his career as a bookbinder at the Walter W. Eckert Bookbinding and Specialty Co. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Pauline, and they spent 67 blissful years together. In 1963, Walter graduated cum laude from Loyola University's evening division earning a B.S. A devout Catholic, Walter was a longtime parishioner of St. Francis Cabrini and currently St. Pius X Parishes. He served in many capacities at the behest and will of his various Pastors and Monsignors. Walter coached Cabrini's NORD football team for several years in the early 1960's. In keeping with his Catholic faith, Walter was a Third-Degree member of the St. Dominic Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Pete Fountain's Half Fast Marching Club and The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association. Walter served on many committees and task forces in and around the Metropolitan New Orleans Area. Walter enjoyed all things political and was a consultant and served as campaign manager for many local elected officials. He was elected to and served for several terms as an Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee Member and Democratic State Central Committee Member. Walter held an honorary rank in the New Orleans Civil Sheriff's Office under the command of longtime friend Harold 'Tookie' Gilbert. In 1972, Walter joined the staff of Attorney General William J. Guste, Jr. as a Special Investigator. He served in that capacity with the office of the Attorney General under the administrations of Attorney General Guste and Attorney General Richard Ieyoub. For those who did love him and knew him well, let it be said that Walter never let the truth stand in the way of a good story! Always with a quick wit and finding humor and candor in almost any situation, Walter will be sadly missed by his family, friends and everyone he touched. The family of Walter O. Eckert, Jr., will be having a funeral service limited to immediate family only at St. Pius X Catholic Church and Inurnment immediately following at Metairie Cemetery. Our family deeply regrets that we cannot celebrate Walter's life with you due to our current extenuating circumstances, so we're asking that those who wish to express condolences do so at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com in lieu of your presence at the service. The family thanks you kindly for your understanding and compassion. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Michael Special School or St. Pius X Church, made in Walter's name will be greatly appreciated.