Charles Eckert

Charles "Jug" Eckert 73, Indianapolis, passed away July 23, 2008. He was born October 11, 1934 to the late Elmer and Bernice (Gerber) Eckert in Ferdinand, IN. Jug moved to Indianapolis to operate the Jasper Engine and Transmission Exchange and later opened his own automotive parts shop. The originator of mobile catering as we know it today, Jug founded his own business, Jug's Catering, in 1967, when he saw there was a need for serving, "good food - hot, fast and easy." Jug's generosity has been legendary, he received numerous awards for his charity benefits, which enriched every level of the community around him. He received the Horatio Alger Award, Youthlinks Indiana Pathfinder Award, Sagamore of the Wabash, Kentucky Colonel, Indianapolis Press Club, Antelope Club Man of the Year, Marion College Knight of Service Award Club and the Allstate 400 Bricklayer Award. Jug was an Honorary Secretary of State, Honorary Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame member, Honorary Marion County Deputy Sheriff, Honorary Indianapolis Police Department Deputy Chief, Honorary Attorney General and a member of Who's Who in Executives and Professionals. Jug served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Indiana State Fair Commission, the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team, Ivy Tech and the Antelope Club. He was a member of the American Business Club, the Antelope Club, the 100 Club and the Knights of Columbus. He had a unique sense of humor, love of people and food and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for eating the most White Castles in one sitting. In his spare time, Jug loved auto racing, snowmobiling, four wheeling and boating and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice (Roos) Eckert; children, Zachary Eckert, Faith Allen, Nannette Dum (Steve), Beth Eckert, Lauri Fehribach (Steve), Sam Eckert (Kendra) and Max Eckert (Connie); grandchildren, Lindsay and Evan Eckert, Kristen Allen, Katie and Mike Dum, Joe, Will, Anna and Meg Fehribach, Samantha and Clayton Eckert, Emily, Alec and Grace Eckert and sister, Joyce Vitale (Tony). Friends may visit with the family on Monday, July 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holiday Drive E., Indianapolis and also from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, with a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:00 a.m. in St. Luke Catholic Church. You may visit: www.leppertmortuary.com, where you can sign the guestbook, leave a personal message for the family or make a contribution in memory of Jug to the Special Olympics, St. Augustine's Home for the Aged (Little Sisters of the Poor) and Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House. Arrangements entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, Indianapolis.