Leonard Clarence Eckl

Leonard Clarence Eckl, 88, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at his home in St. Florian, Alabama.  He was surrounded by family when the Lord called him home.

Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at St. Michael's Catholic Church with recitation of the Rosary following.  A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11am on Monday at St. Michael's with Father John O'Donnell, OSB, Father Roy Runkle and Deacon Stephen Gordon, nephew, officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

He was born June 30, 1927 in St. Florian, Alabama to John and Agnes Eckl.  He graduated from St. Bernard High School, Cullman, Al.  He served our country as a Navy seaman at Okinawa, Japan.  He returned home to farming and worked as a Lauderdale County Extension Agent and operator for 33 years at Diamond Shamrock/Occidental Chemical Corporation, served on St. Florian Town Council, and was a member of the Cattleman’s Association.

On May 5, 1952, he married the love of his life, Rosalia Ruth Hollman at Sacred Heart Church in Loretto, TN.  They shared 62 wonderful years together.  Their marriage was an example of prayer, work, sacrifice and love.  Leonard was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Agnes Eckl; his loving wife Ruth; sisters, Regina Evers, and Genevieve Gordon; and brother, Clarence Raymond Eckl.

Survivors are: sister, Marie Gordon, New Orleans, LA; sons: Anthony Eckl(Cindy), Ronald Eckl, Alan Eckl (Maria), and Adrian Eckl (Beth) of Florence, AL; daughters: Tricia Mauter (Joe) of Florence, AL, Barbara Cain (Robert) of Richmond, KY, Joann Hand (Barry) of Chattanooga, TN and Mary Evelyn Ware (Paul) of Powder Springs, GA.; 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Brian Mauter, Michael Mauter, John Hand, Peter Eckl, Aaron Eckl and Adam Ware.

Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, John Gordon, Michael Gordon, William Gordon, Tommy Evers and cousins Frances Eckl and Richard Eckl.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers, Beth Eckl, Susie Landers, Ginger Moreland, Pam Stumpe, and Kathy Williams for their love and care.  We want to especially thank Susie Landers who not only was Leonard's primary care provider but also became a dear family friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Michael's Catholic Church Building Fund, 2751 County Road 30, Florence, Al 35633; St. Joseph School Foundation, 115 Plum St, Florence, Al 35630, or your favorite charity.

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