Christian Biography of Phillip V Eckles

Phillip Virgil Eckles the oldest son of five children of William L. and Verna Littrell Eckles was born February 18, 1924 in Nelson, Nebraska. He passed away November 28, 2022, at Parkview Haven at the age of 98 years, 9 months, 10 days.

Phillip (Phil) graduated from Wilber High School with the class of 1943. He then started his career with the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company, which was interrupted by being drafted into the U.S. Army as a Medic during WWII. After an honorable discharge from the Army Phil resumed his telephone career from which he retired in 1980.

He was married to Lenore Katherine Becker on October 20, 1945 at St Stephens Church, Exeter, Ne. To this union one son was born, William Richard "Dick". They celebrated 60 years of marriage before her passing. He found love again and was married to Gerry Peterson on August 22, 2009, at Sacred Heart Church, Nelson, Nebraska.

Phil was a wonderful husband and father. A great outdoorsman who loved to go fishing, often times in the summer getting up at 4:00 A.M. to go fishing for a couple of hours before going to work. He also loved to hunt upland game birds and waterfowl. Noting the interests of his son he also became very involved in searching for prehistoric Native American artifacts as well searching with metal detectors for historic relics related to the Oregon Trail. Phil loved his grandkids, they were very special to him as he was to them and he always provided them with fun things to do when they visited. All of the neighbor kids loved him as well, often times gathering at his house to play games in the big double lot yard.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, William, his mother, Verna, his wife Lenore, his second wife Gerry, his sisters Betty Jo Pittam, Wilma Maxine McCutchan, and his brother John. He is survived by his brother William L. Eckles Jr., his sister-in-law Elizabeth Eckles, his son Dick, (Carol), his grandchildren Sarah (Ben) Van Horn, Julia (James) Merrill, and Daniel (Stephanie) Eckles; grandchildren Emma and Haley Merrill, Greyson and Lisette Van Horn, and Madeline and Avaline Eckles. Also, his surviving step children Rhonda (Gordon) Brubacher, Lorrell (Maggie) Peterson, Sondra (Chelle) Peterson, Ruth (Randy) Peterson, stepchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nelson, Nebraska with Rev. Ferdinard Boehme officiating. Lector was Peggy Cassell, altar servers are Jace and Joel Hoelting.

Music was provided by Mary Statz and Leslie Biltoft of "Amazing Grace," "Gift of Finest Wheat," "How Great Thou Art," and "This is my Song,"

Visitation was held on Thursday from 5-7 with the family present from 5-6 to greet friends.

Pallbearers were Pat Hassler, Bob Becker, John Volkmer, Bob Eckles, Nancy Eckles and Betty McCutchan. Honorary Pallbearers were his nieces and nephews.

Interment with military honors was in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to

Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Nebraska 68961 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.