From the Parkway Independent

Clarence L. Eckstein, Sr., age 93, formerly of Celina, Ohio, died March 14, 2018 at 8:00 am in Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He was born August 27, 1924 in St. Wendelin, Ohio, to the late Clem R. and Teresa (Rammel) Eckstein. On October 30, 1948 he married Alberta “Bert” (Moorman) Eckstein, and she survives at the residence in Otterbein St. Marys.

Other survivors include six daughters, Mary (Roger) Harting, Convoy, Ohio, Carol (Larry) Ginn, Greenville, Ohio, Janice Eckstein, Columbus, Ohio, Vickie (David) Goodlett, Mt. Eden, Kentucky, Linda (John) Klenke, Coldwater, Ohio, and Brenda (Michael) Case, Galloway, Ohio; three sons, Gerard “Gary” (Sandy) Eckstein, Commercial Point, Ohio, Clarence Jr. (Jan) Eckstein, Celina, Ohio, and Douglas (Sarah) Eckstein, Fairborn, Ohio; one brother, Eugene (Joan) Eckstein, Coldwater, Ohio; three sisters, Hilda (Cletus) Niekamp, New Bremen, Ohio, Irene Mowen, New Bremen, Ohio, and Teresa (William) Bowersock, Spencerville, Ohio; 25 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 9 step grandchildren; 16 step great grandchildren; and 1 step great great grandchild.

Also preceded in death by an infant son, David Lee Eckstein; three brothers, Leo, Herman, Clem Eckstein; three sisters, Margaret Benanzer, Cleopha Brunswick, Imelda Keller; a son-in-law, Dick Ley; a granddaughter, Carrie Eckstein; and a great grandson, Zachary Feasby.

Clarence was a 1942 graduate of Ft. Recovery High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the WWII era, where he received a Purple Heart, and three Bronze Stars. He retired from the United States Postal Service, where he worked as a rural mail carrier for 30 years. After retiring he worked at Pax Machine Works for seven years, as a caretaker of the Celina American Legion for ten years, he drove bus for CA Industry in Celina, and he was the first van driver for the Celina Council of Aging.

He is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, Celina Moose, Celina Eagles Lodge #1291, Celina K of C Council 1800, St Gasper Del Bufalo 4th Degree Assembly, Minster, Ohio, Disabled American Veterans of Mercer County Chapter 76, and the Rural Carriers Association. Clarence was also a charter member of Celina VFW Post #5713, a life member of the 11th Armored Division, and a past commander of Celina American Legion Post #210, and most recently attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys.
Visitation hours will be from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys, Ohio for Otterbein residence, and Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, Ohio; where a prayer service will be held by the Celina VFW and American Legion Members at 6:00 pm, followed by the Knights of Columbus 4th degree color guard service.

Mass of Christian burial and the celebration of his life will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, March 19, 2018, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, with Fr. Vincent Wirtner C.PP.S., officiating and Fr. Barry Stechschulte, and Deacon Marty Brown co-officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, from 9:00 – 10:00 am at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.
Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina, with military honors by Celina VFW Post #5713 and American Legion Post #210.

Memorial contributions can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 100 W. Old Wilson Bridge Rd. #118, Worthington, Ohio 43085, in memory of Carrie Eckstein and/or Spina Bifida Association, 644 Linn St #635, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203.