Sgt. Gary "Andy" Eckert, Jr., 24, of Sylvania, OH, formerly of Whitehouse, OH, died May 8, 2005, in Balad, Iraq. He was born in North Carolina to Gary and Deborah (Carroll) Eckert. Andy's true joys in life were the love he shared with his wife and soul mate, Tiphany, and his children, Myles and Marlee. He was a gifted athlete who enjoyed all sports, which came to him naturally. Andy was proud to serve his country in the US Army Reserve and thankful for the man the Army helped him to become. He knowingly made the sacrifice to return to Iraq to serve his country.
Andy was a 2000 graduate of Anthony Wayne High School. He served in the US Army for the past 3 years. He was a member of the 983rd Engineering Battalion in Monclova Twp. Other memberships include Calvary Assembly of God, Toledo, OH, Anthony Wayne and Penta FFA, YMCA, Toledo Celtics Soccer, Pacesetter Soccer Club, Sylvania Firefighters Local 2243 Soccer and Softball teams.
He married Tiphany Anne (Miramontes) February 28, 2003, in Toledo, OH. She survives along with children, Marlee Freedom, and Myles Manning; mother, Deborah Cieslak; father, Gary (Cathy) Eckert; father-in-law, David Miramontes; mother-in-law, Angela Miramontes; grandparents, Sherman and Veda Eckert and Mahlin and Beverly Carroll; brother, Ryan; sisters, Denise, Crystal, Jessica, Stephanie, and Alexandria, and special friends, Bret and Gwen Howland, Travis and Aubrey Repass, Redus and Jessica Thomas, Theresa Martin, Kris Howland, and Paul Matney. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Donald and Florence Keys.
Friends and family may call Sunday, May 15, 2005 from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. at Peinert Funeral Home, 7220 Dutch Rd., Waterville, OH. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Assembly of God, Toledo, OH with Pastor Bill McGinnis officiating. Interment will follow with full military honors at Whitehouse Cemetery. The family asks that guests wear colors that they feel would celebrate Andy's life.
Andy would ask that thoughts and prayers go out to all US Military Personnel throughout the world, especially the 244th and 983rd Engineering Battalions.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Eckert Children Memorial Fund at any National City Bank Location, Acct # 982633906. Donations of items such as personal care items, phone cards, breath mints, etc. may be dropped off at the 983rd Engineering Battalion on Garden Rd. or any Sylvania Twp., Washington Twp. Waterville or Whitehouse fire and police stations and all Toledo fire stations.