William C. Eckstein

William “Bill” Eckstein, 96, of Independence, MO passed away February 21, 2017. Visitation Fri., Feb. 24th from 6-8pm with rosary recited at 6pm. Mass of Christian Burial 10am Sat., Feb. 25th with entombment following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. All services held at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10010 E. 40 HWY, Indep.

Bill was born January 29, 1921 in Coldwater, OH to Henry and Veronica Eckstein. In 1941 Bill enlisted in the Marine Corp and served 4 years during WWII. He met his wife, Nadine in 1941 and they were married on June 22, 1946. After 30 years with the Coca Cola Bottling Company, Bill retired in 1983. For 13 years Bill enjoyed traveling with Nadine in their motor home. In 2009, Bill was privileged to take the WWII Veteran Honor Flight. Bill was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus at Nativity Parish, sang in their choir and made over 30,000 rosaries that he passed out locally and sent to missionaries all over the world.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine; his parents; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived by his 4 children, Laurence Eckstein (Lori), Brenda Conrardy (Roy), Claudia Scanlon and Tom Eckstein; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and his sister, Dolly Mason.

A very special young lady, Emma Foley, entered Nadine and Bill’s life through a church school pen pal project. After Nadine’s passing, Emma (dad’s little red haired angel) continued her special relationship with Bill. Our family would like to thank the Foley family and the staff and residents at Summit View Terrace for all the love and care they gave to our father. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the William Eckstein Scholarship Fund, checks can be made payable to Nativity of Mary. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., KCMO 64133, 816-353-6555.