Don Eckhardt, Sr.

HAMILTON - Donald L. "Don" Eckhardt, Sr., 79, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2013 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He was born January 6, 1934 in Cherokee, OK the son of Ted and Lena Eckhardt.

Don was raised and educated in Las Vegas, NV. After high school he enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served on the USS Rehoboth. Don married Joanne Azbill on September 12, 1953 in Las Vegas. After his honorable discharge in 1956, Don and Jo moved to Sun Valley, CA and he began his lifelong career as a tile setter. They remained in California until 1971 at which time they moved to the Bitterroot Valley. Don continued as a tile setter until his retirement.

Don was a member of the Ravalli County Search and Rescue and also served as a Scout Master while his boys were growing up. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish, hunt and ranch. Don also enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour books and watching westerns.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George Eckhardt; and 2 sisters, Dody Ayers and Wanda Griffin. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jo, of Hamilton; 2 sons, Donald Eckhardt, Jr. and wife Lori of Helena and Clint Eckhardt and Donna of Darby; 9 grandchildren and their spouses and families, LaDawn, Cassandra, Stacey, Leslie, Donald III, Ashlee, Ashley, Justin and Jared; and 16 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made in Don's name to the Ravalli County Search and Rescue, C/O Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, 205 Bedford, Suite G, Hamilton, MT 59840.