Charles Henry "Charlie" Eckhardt

1945 - 2025

August 1, 1945 - October 15, 2025 Charles Henry Eckhardt (fondly known as Charlie), was born on Wednesday, August 1, 1945 at the Keidel Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, TX weighing in at a whopping 9lbs 6oz. He was welcomed by parents Alfred and Elisa (Priess) Eckhardt and big sister Gerlene. In the following years, Helen, Gladys, and Denise joined. God called Charlie to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas with his loving family by his side.

Charlie was baptized at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg on September 9, 1945 and confirmed his faith there on March 22, 1959.

He joined the National Guard in 1966 and served for 9 years. On September 8, 1966, he met Lila Kay Bauman on a "blind" date. They were married on June 24, 1967, in Llano, Texas.

They were blessed with three children: Kayla Denaye in 1975, Sheree Dawn in 1981 and Charles "Darren" in 1987.

Charlie grew up a farm boy and spent many hours on the family farm as well as his grandparents' farm in Luckenbach. He then worked many jobs in his lifetime, including the Fredericksburg Turkey Plant, Mooney Aircraft, and then in 1969 started his Tom's route which he had until 1992. Many people knew him as the "Candy" man. His children have fond memories of riding along with and helping him. After his knees were wearing out from his 23 years climbing up and down the Tom's truck, he sold his truck and stock and went to work at Hill Country Memorial Hospital and then finally H-E-B. He retired from there on September 18, 2020 after 19 years of service.

Charlie's passions in life were deer hunting, playing "42", country music, watching sports (especially football and baseball) and riding around looking at deer. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had a funny comment to just about anything. He enjoyed visiting with anyone who would stop and talk with him.

While he had many passions in life, his top ones were anything to do with his family. He adored his 3 children and that multiplied even more with the 4 grandchildren that came along - Kaylyn, Kwinn, Case, and Mady. He would be at every concert, play, program, game, or school event that he could. In 2024, his great-granddaughter Presley Jade came along, and he enjoyed every minute he had with her.

Charlie truly was a friend to all. There was no stranger to him and he could easily strike up a conversation with anybody. A hardworking, humble, and simple man with a big heart.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lila Kay Eckhardt. Children Kayla Sanchez and husband Pablo of Fredericksburg, Sheree Burrow of Llano, and Darren Eckhardt and wife Robyn of Fredericksburg. Four grandchildren: Kaylyn Craig and husband Jes, Kwinn Burrow, Case and Madyson Eckhardt, and 1 great-grandchild: Presley Jade Craig.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gerlene Hill, and great-granddaughter Kynleigh Groce.

Funeral services were held at the Fredericksburg Funeral home on Monday, October 20, 2025 with Pastor Clint Pluenneke officiating. Interment followed at the Greenwood Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Kwinn Burrow, Case Eckhardt, Jes Craig, Kirby Davis, Glen Davis, and Kevin Franchina.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, St. Mary's School Endowment Fund, Gillespie 4-H, or the charity of your choice.