Philip L. Eckert

1933 - 2022

Philip L. Eckert
June 20, 1933 - January 12, 2022
Belleville, Illinois - Philip Louis Eckert, 88, of O'Fallon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, with his beloved wife Sara and their children by his side.
Philip was born on June 20, 1933, in Columbia, Illinois to father George Eckert and mother Adele Eckert (nee Klessen). Philip was the youngest of two sons and three daughters.
After spending his youth in Columbia, Illinois, Philip moved to Decatur, Illinois to begin his lengthy academic career at Millikin University where he excelled in academics and sports, and where he was also a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. After graduating from Millikin, Philip began his professional career teaching at a local college, which is where he met his beloved wife Sara.
Philip also served in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world during his enlistment.
Philip was an avid entrepreneur and was always involved in business ventures in some fashion. He was innovative and smart, and started Southwest Family Clinic as a clinical psychologist, a family and children's testing and therapy clinic, in O'Fallon, Illinois in the 1970's. Philip successfully ran this business until mid-2020.
Philip loved all sports, but especially baseball, and anyone who met him knew his favorite team was the Chicago Cubs. Even though he was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, he was a longtime season ticket holder for the St. Louis Cardinals, and when he was not attending the games with his family, one of his greatest joys was giving away game tickets to friends.
The saying "Never Met a Stranger" is especially fitting for Philip. He had a fun-loving personality and truly never met a stranger. Philip loved meeting new people and was friendly and approachable to anyone and everyone. He truly cared about all those he interacted with and was always willing to help others with sound advice.
Philip was also a longstanding member of O'Fallon United Church of Christ and especially enjoyed attending weekly Adult Sunday School where he and his fellow companions would engage in lighthearted, but passionate, discussions on a range of current issues.
Philip was a devoted father, grandfather, spouse, son, brother, and friend. But Philip's greatest accomplishment was being a father and grandfather. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world and he was unendingly proud of his children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in watching each of his children and grandchildren grow and succeed in their very different ways. Philip also enjoyed family traditions, such as going out to dinner, spending time at Lake of the Ozarks, and going on family vacations.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Eckert (nee Norris); and four children, Kimberly Schwaegel of O'Fallon, Illinois, Kreg (Angi) Eckert of Roanoke, Indiana, Van-Lear (Jenny) Eckert of Maplewood, Missouri, and Heidi (Kenneth Shup) Eckert of St. Louis, Missouri. Philip is also survived by ten grandchildren, Justin Ralston, Jessica Ralston, Keith Schwaegel, Bradley Schwaegel, Kristin Sellers, Anna Eckert, Isaac Eckert, Alexander Eckert, Benjamin Shup, and Meredith Shup; and four great-grandchildren, Cecilia Sellers, Tabitha Sellers, Kaley Schwaegel, and Beckett Schwaegel.
Philip is also survived by one brother, George (Betty) Eckert of Columbia, Illinois; and nieces and nephews, David Eckert, Donald Eckert, Donna (Randall) Eckert, Diane (Steve) Widman, Patty (Danny) Rogoz, and Mareda Eckert, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, George and Adele Eckert; one brother, John Eckert; and three sisters, Edna Nolte, Bertha Jehling, and Ann Bickel. Philip was also preceded in death by two nephews and one niece, Timmy Bickel, Linda Nolte, and Kurt Jehling.
A special thank you to St. Paul's Home, Belleville, Illinois and Family Hospice, Belleville, Illinois for the loving care and support during Philip's final days.
Memorials may be made to Family Hospice; https://familyhospice.org/donate/, or the O'Fallon United Church of Christ; https://www.ofallonucc.org/online-giving. Condolences may be made to the family at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at 1428 Tap Haus, 1428 North Illinois Street, Swansea, Illinois 62226.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.