Gary Ecker
Gary Ecker
Gary Ecker
1935-2014
Gary Ecker, age 79, of Elmo, Missouri, entered into peace Monday, December 29, 2014 at Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2015 at the Elmo United Methodist Church with Reverend Connie Eighmy officiating. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Elmo Methodist Church or to the Elmo Betterment Club or Donor’s Choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Gary Lee Ecker was born May 16, 1935 near Elmo, Missouri to Orie Ecker and Lola May McCumber. He grew up in the Elmo area and graduated from Elmo High School in 1953. He served in Army National Guard of Maryville for six years. Gary and Joyce U. Spangler were united in marriage November 20, 1955 at the Elmo Methodist Church. They were blessed with two children, Vickie
and Terry.
Gary was a lifelong farmer and cattleman and he was passionate about his occupation. He thoroughly enjoyed farming and going to cattle auctions; sometimes two to three times a week. Gary also sold seed corn for 30 years and owned and operated the Ecker Farm Supply and Hardware Store in Elmo.
Gary was very community minded and involved with many Elmo activities. He was Mayor of Elmo for many years. Gary was a member of the Elmo United Methodist Church, Elmo Community Betterment Club, Elmo Lion’s Club, served on the West Nodaway School Board, member of the MFA advisory board, United Producers Board, Nodaway County Soil and Water Board and the Elmo Cemetery Board.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents; infant sister, Luella May and brother, Kenny Mack.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce Ecker of Elmo, Missouri; daughter, Vickie Ecker of Kansas City, Missouri; son, Terry Ecker and wife Susan of Elmo, Missouri; step grandchildren, Jared Haer of Omaha, Nebraska and Ashley Haer of Craig, Missouri; brother, Larry Ecker and wife Sharron of Elmo, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
