Dr. Howard D. Eckhart

Howard D. Eckhart, 89 of Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas Eve, December, 24, 2014. Born in Hopeland, PA on January 9, 1925, he was the son of the late Stuart E. and Maude Dailey Eckhart. He was the husband of Jessie Jones Eckhart to whom he had been married 67 years.

Dr. Eckhart attended a 2 room schoolhouse in Hopeland, PA. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1941 (at the age of 16.) He attended Franklin and Marshall College for one year, and then enlisted in the United States Navy (before the age of 18; he got special permission.)During his time in the Navy, he worked as a technician on the Submarine USS Blenny, SS324 (Pacific Theater) and was stationed in Perth, Australia. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Commendation Ribbon, Submarine Combat Insignia and the Good Conduct Ribbon.

Dr. Eckhart stayed in the Navel Reserves, and during that time he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1949. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 1953 and served as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Lt. Commander.

After a solo practice of oral surgery at 616 N. Lime Street in Lancaster, his son, Dr. Michael Eckhart joined him, and in a few years helped found Conestoga Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd. in 1988 and practiced there until his retirement in 1991.

He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity (of F & M,) Xi Psi Phi Fraternity (a dental fraternity,) Omicon Kappa Upsilon Society (a dental honor society) as well as member and past president of the Lancaster County Dental Society, 5

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District Dental Society and Middle States Oral Surgery Society. He was a proud recipient of the H. K. Cooper Award in Lancaster.

Dr. Eckhart was also a member of Lancaster Country Club, Lancaster Aero Club, Pirates Club of Lancaster, Ground Hog Lodge, Quiet Birdman Club and former member of Saucon Valley Country Club, Tuquan Club, and Sertoma Club. He was also a member of the National Military Officers Association and a local member of MOAA.

He was an avid golfer and accomplished pilot, and enjoyed skiing, boating, hunting, woodworking, gardening,and traveling with his wife Jessie in their airplanes. He was well known for his “killer” horseradish and enjoyed sharing it with his friends.

In addition to his wife, Jessie, Dr. Eckhart is survived by three sons and their families: Howard S., husband of Bonnie L. Eckhart of Lancaster, and their daughter Katie J. L. Eckhart of Harrisburg; Dr. Michael P., husband of Deborah L. Eckhart of Lancaster, and their children Stephanie L. Eckhart of Salt Lake City, UT, Suzanne C. Eckhart of New York City, NY, and Jennifer E. Eckhart of Baltimore, MD; and David J., husband of Mary L. Eckhart of Chester County, and their children Derek D. Eckhart of Philadelphia, and D. Jacob Eckhart of Chester County. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank A. and Alvin Eckhart and a sister, Lola Eshelman.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, corner of Lititz Pike and Delp Roads, Lancaster, PA at 11:00 a.m.  Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Ephrata, PA

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Eckhart’s memory may be sent to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.