Mark Thomas Eckstein

Mark Thomas Eckstein was born in Chicago, Illinois 56 years ago to Henry and Joan Eckstein. The third of six children, Mark’s defining characteristic was his gentle- but mischievous—nature. It can be traced back to toddler days, when he slipped behind the wheel of the family Chevy when his mom momentarily left the car running as she ran back into the house for something—and proceeded to drive through a brick wall. At some point he graduated to skipping school, and he never grew tired of terrorizing his sister as she tiptoed down the long dark hallway outside his bedroom after a late night out.

Mark was a formidable foe on the playground, dodging a team of tacklers, with bodies strewn across the field wondering how he slipped through their fingers. He could escape housekeeping chores with equal ease. His prowess at putting “English” on a ping pong ball was also renowned. He was a natural athlete and his family loved watching him play baseball for the Bakers.

Since high school Mark’s constant companion was Bonni Jo Tackett, who nurtured and loved him more than anyone could hope. They were married on November 28, 1987. Most weekends Mark could be found hunting in the woods of East Texas or fishing the streams of Arkansas. Mark made his living in the building trades, and was the family’s go-to guy for anything you wanted to construct, repair, paint or plumb. Despite Mark’s tough exterior, he was an extremely sweet man, taking care of his parents with extraordinary patience and love. He always kept a dog by his side, from Buster his Boston terrier, to Dustin his golden retriever. Cancer overcame Mark this week, but we will remember him forever.

Mark is survived by his wife, Bonni, his sister, Kathy, his four brothers, Paul, Mike, Dick and John, 22 nieces and nephews as well as out-laws Neal and Neya Tackett, Keith and Deborah Tackett, Roger Lewis, Tanya Eckstein and Phyllis Eckstein.

On Saturday, January 21, friends are invited to a memorial service at 3 p.m. at East Memorial Chapel – Moores Lane with Rev. Wallace Edgar officating followed by a wake at the Eckstein homestead.

Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.