O. Ralph Eckels, 84, of Washington, died Sunday, June 28, 1998, in Mt. St. Macrina Hospice Center, Uniontown. Mr. Eckels was a self-employed milk truck operator in Washington County, was employed as a welder at numerous fabricators throughout the Washington area and retired in 1977 from Crile Metalizing Corp. He was a member of Friendship Community Church, Washington, and enjoyed horse pulling competition with his father and brother. On March 3, 1940, he married Violet Krugle, who died May 6, 1979. On October 11, 1980, he married Eleanor Iams, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Judy Brodnick of Washington; two sons, David M. Eckels of Amity and James P. Eckels of Weedville; three stepsons, David W., Donald O. and Robert G. Iams, all of Washington; a brother, William L. Eckels of Washington; two sisters, Ruby L. Lyon of Ravenna, Ohio, and Helma Workman of Dallas, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 10 stepgrandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, James H. and Walter B. Eckels; and a sister, Grace E. Verno. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Tuesday, June 30, 1998O. Ralph Eckels
Retired welder was milk truck operator
He was born June 26, 1914, in Shinston, W.Va., a son of James H. and Ella Risor Eckels.