Charles "Charlie" Fredrick Eckart, 88, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home Friday, December 19, 2025. He was born August 1, 1937, in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Emma Marie and Peter F. Eckart. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School class of 1955, attended St. Joseph Junior College, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College. He married Constance “Connie” Smiley on December 28, 1978, and she preceded him in death on February 23, 2018.
He served as a Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputy, as Commander of the St. Joseph Police Reserves, and retired from the Missouri Army National Guard with 30 years of service. He then worked for the State of Missouri’s Child Support Enforcement office and later volunteered for many years at the St. Joseph Social Welfare Board’s free health clinic.
Following the Lord was very important to him. His family is comforted by knowing he is now with Jesus. He enjoyed being active with his church, where he sang in the choir and served as both a Deacon and an Elder at King Hill Christian Church. He most recently cherished his supportive church family at Wyatt Park Christian Church. He also enjoyed singing for several decades with the Pony Expressmen Barbershop Chorus.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Sue Eckart, and his parents. Survivors include: five children, Rick (Lora) Eckart of Midwest City, OK, Lisa (John) Hopper of Warsaw, MO, Paula (Craig) Peters of Liberty, MO, Daniel (Rebecca) Moser of St. Joseph, MO, and Gene (Rachel) Eckart of Bucyrus, KS; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many valued friends and other relatives.
The family thanks the caring staff of Corby Place, who loved him and enriched his final years, and Mosaic Hospice for the wonderful care and attention provided during his final months.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services and public live stream: 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Ben Hitzfeld officiating. Interment will be at the Union Cemetery, Faucett, MO. Memorials are requested to the Wyatt Park Christian Church or the St. Joseph Social Welfare Board.
