Oliver August Eschbach

Oliver August Eschbach, 92, born and raised on a farm in Batchtown, IL , passed away on May 16, 2015.He was a retired Towboat Captain with Ingram Barge Line. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 462nd Parachute Artillery Battalion in the Pacific. He received the Purple Heart for injuries received in action on Corregidor. He was a communicant of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church and one of its founding members. He was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary; by his granddaughter, Rachel Grace Eschbach; brothers Edward and Alfred, and sisters Zelora Richter, Irene Telkamp, Angeline Herter, and Evaline Broyles.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, with whom they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on August 11th. He also leaves his sons, Andy (Vicki, deceased) of Milan, TN, Eric (Leslie) of York, PA, two daughters, Cindy Eschbach of Memphis and Judy (Bryce) Stewart of Memphis; a brother, Vincent of Atlanta, GA and a sister, Marie Kiel of Wentzville, MO. The loves of his life, his grandchildren, Andy, Jr., Matt, Tyler and Daniel Eschbach, Lindsay Kellum, Cecilia Chelius, Ellen and Emily Stewart and 10 much adored great-grandchildren. Gardening, cooking and trips to Tunica were things he enjoyed. He was an excellent cook and the family will miss his weekly scrumptious dinners. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Avenue. The Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21 at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.