Raymond O. “Ray” Eck, 94, of Williamsport, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at the Williamsport Home. Surviving is his wife, June Lois (Hurko) Evans-Eck, with whom they would have celebrated 10 years of marriage on March 1.
Born June 9, 1923, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late James Otto Eck and Elizabeth Mary (Finkele) Eck.
Ray was a graduate of Williamsport High School and a 1941 graduate of a 500 hour drafting course at the former Williamsport Technical Institute. After completing the drafting course Ray was hired by General Electric. Six days later the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force, serving 27 missions in a B-24, with the 93rd Bombardment Group, and the 329th Bombardment Squadron during World War II. After 28 years of service he retired in 1972 as a lieutenant colonel. Two years later, he graduated from Penn State with a master’s degree in counselor education and retired in 1985 from Castle Heights Military Academy in Tennessee, where he was the assistant superintendent and taught math to students from all over the world.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Williamsport, the local masonic lodge, Williamsport Consistory, and the computer club. Ray enjoyed meeting with Korean War Veteran’s locally, who gather for breakfast once a month, and is a part of the Eighth Air Force, based in State College. He was an avid bowler and golfer, enjoyed playing cards, and was a talented artist and painter. Most of all Ray truly enjoyed living his life with family and friends.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughters, Raylene M. Hennip (Richard), of Loveland, Colo., Donna L. Blumenfeld (James), of Lincoft, N.J., Barbara E. Tosi (David), of York, and Myra L. Holloway (George), of York; a stepson, Raymond B. “Chuck” Evans (Susan), of Williamsport; a stepdaughter, Deborah A. Grove (John), of Williamsport; eight grandchildren, Brian Hennip, Sandra Hennip, Denise Kostiv (Nick), Craig Blumenfeld, David Blumenfeld (Johanna), Mark Holloway (Kristin), Eric Evans (Amanda), and Carolyn Workinger (Tim); four great-grandchildren, Madeline, Briella, Coen, and Ava; a nephew, James Boatman (Tina); a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Boatman; and a half-sister, Mary Ann Lewis.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, June Louise (Bloom) Eck in 2006; niece, Ann (Boatman) Walter in 1997; and brother-in-law, James “Claude” Boatman in 2002.
A memorial service to honor the life of Ray will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 27 at First United Methodist Church, 2 Ross St., Williamsport, with Pastor D.G. Giordano officiating. Burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service at First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to First United Methodist Church, 604 Market St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home.
