Ralph Martin Eckert

Ralph Martin Eckert was born in Fort Worth, Texas on November 4, 1942, son to Eunice and Ralph G. Eckert. He remained in Fort Worth his entire life until his passing on Friday, August 29 at his home.

Ralph graduated from Paschal High School in 1961 and attended Texas Christian University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He went to work for General Dynamics in 1967 and remained a loyal employee until his retirement from Lockheed Martin in 2007. Ralph served as Chief of Procurement, spearheading many programs including the Purchasing Card and Hazardous Material Management programs.

Ralph met Valerie Bandy at TCU and they married in 1966. Together they raised three children, Stephen, Kristine and Laura.

Ralph was an avid Horned Frogs fan, and the best times of his life were spent tailgating with friends before football games.

Well known for his humor, Ralph loved to entertain people with stories and jokes. He was often asked to emcee fellow coworkers' retirement roasts and fraternity reunions. He will be remembered as the life of every party and a generous colleague and friend.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Laura. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; his children Steve Eckert and wife Liz, Kristine Bone and husband Todd; grandchildren Sarah Bone, Ethan Eckert, Matthew Bone, and Phoenix Moore; sister Cheryl Forrester and husband Mike; and his best friend of over 75 years, Bob Bigley.

We will celebrate Ralph's life with a come-and-go gathering at his son Steve's house on Saturday, September 13, from 2:00-5:00 PM at 4104 Sarita Drive, Fort Worth. In honor of Ralph's beloved Horned Frogs, we invite you to wear purple.