Michael Anthony Eckard

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Michael Eckard on February 22, 2025. Mike was 70 years old and had recently retired after a long and fulfilling career as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing solar and wind turbine projects across the United States. He had a deep passion for renewable energy—once he started talking about it, it was nearly impossible to get him to stop. He loved his work, not only for the impact it had but also for the opportunity it gave him to explore the country.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Helen and Stuart Eckard, Mike grew up in Independence, Missouri. Mike had recently bought a camper and had been spending much of his retired life out at the family farm in Cowgill, Missouri. He always had big plans for the farm and loved sharing those ideas with others. He loved to bring artifacts he would find and share maps and the farm's history with others.

Mike loved and cared about his family very much. Mike took on the role of step-father with great ease to Jason and Kelly after their father, Jim passed away. Mike married Marge Mason in 1984 and in 1987 Caitlin joined the family. Mike never lost his temper even when nail polish remover was spilled on the new wood table, Allison, his granddaughter spray painted her initials on the driveway, Jason crashed the new car, or Kelly had a house party in high school where all the alcohol was drunk, and chairs were thrown into the pool.

Mike had many interests including golf, drones, space, talk radio, gardening, cooking meals, baking, cars/trucks, photography, James Bond, scuba diving, airplanes, swimming with Rosie the dog in the pool, and spending time with Allison, his granddaughter. He loved music and could often find him jamming out to The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Tom Petty, and Steely Dan as he flipped through the CD insert. He was not attached to his phone and he recently just started texting. He took immense pleasure in taking his time and enjoying a cup of coffee after dinner or any time of the day, which drove his children nuts when they were young, but they can now see the beauty of how he was never in a rush and would get to where he needed to be without worry.

Mike had a natural gift for connecting with people and never met a stranger. He could have a conversation about anything. He was a lifelong learner, and was always in the know about current events, new technology, politics, and the stock market. He loved having conversations with others and hearing their opinions. He was there when you needed him and he could fix anything and we mean anything!

He was a collector of many things, including flashlights, power tools (really any tool), batteries, cords in general, sunglasses, moving straps, electronics, receipts, manuals, fossils, clothes, boat shoes, jackets for every season, watches, guns, and hats. He had great taste in clothes and shoes. His children would show up to holidays in pajamas, maybe having showered and he would be dressed for a Royal wedding.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Stuart Eckard; his brother, Warren Thomason; his aunt, Muzzy Goad; mother in law, Margaret Bohen and Lucille Mason; father in law David Bohen;his niece, Anna Kepley, and Rosie the dog. Mike is survived by Marge, Jason Lovecraft, Caitlin, Kelly Mason (Nick Jianas) and precious granddaughter Allison. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy Kepley; his brother, Tom Eckard (Carrie) and their children Megan, Heather, Damon, and Theresa; and his niece, Mary Kepley (Alex Rhoades), cousin Virgina Eckard Eichner, sister in laws Mary Alice Adams (Mark), and Deb Mason, brothers in law, David and Richard Bohen. He leaves behind many dear friends including Mark and Jeannie Garies and their daughter Augusta who were so dear to his heart.

His passing leaves a tremendous void in our hearts. We find comfort in the thought that he is at peace, perhaps playing a round of golf with friends, sharing stories, and making others laugh—just as he always did. In honor of Mike please make a donation in his name to Valley Hope at https://valleyhope.org/donate/ or plant a tree in his honor and take your time watching it grow as Mike would.

Private Disposition