Garry O. Eckert

Garry O. Eckert, 78, of Olathe and formerly of Parsons, passed away at 11:50 a.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Santa Marta Senior Living in Olathe, Kansas.

Garry Otis Eckert was born on July 24, 1945, to Otis William and Frances Darlene (Madden) Eckert in Kansas City, Missouri.  He grew up and attended school in Effingham, Kansas, graduating from Atchison County Community High School in 1963.

Following high school, Garry earned his Bachelor's and Master's in education from Emporia State University.  He later earned his EdS from Pittsburg State University.

From 1967 to 1973, Garry taught 5th grade at the Seaman District in Topeka.  Garry was the principal at Meadow View Grade School for USD 506 from 1973 to 1984.  After retiring from the position of principal, he returned to teaching in 1984 at Parsons Middle School until 1999.  He then taught at St. Patrick Catholic School in Parsons for two years.  The next two years before his final retirement, Garry was the part-time principal at St Mary's Catholic School in Fort Scott.  While working in the schools as a teacher and administrator, Garry also raised cattle for many years.  He was also a high school basketball referee.

For 27 years, Garry served in the United States Army Reserves.  He retired at the rank of Major.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  His greatest joy was his family.  He was also an avid Bridge player.

On July 13, 1968, Garry and Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Lane were united in marriage in Topeka, Kansas.  Beth survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

One son – Garry Michael Eckert and his wife, JoAnne, of Olathe, Kansas

Two daughters – Gina Michelle Mathy and her husband, Mark, of Olathe, Kansas

Elizabeth Anne Phillips and her husband, Shanon, of Polk City, Iowa

Seven grandchildren – Noah Eckert, Luke Phillips, Blake Mathy, Ben Eckert, Katelyn Phillips, Hannah Mathy, and Sam Phillips

One sister – Kathleen Johnson and her husband, Roger, of Independence, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.  The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  The family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic School Endowment.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.