C. Keith Eckel, 80, of Olney, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Keith was born November 3, 1943 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Elmer B. and Mildred Pauline (Arteberry) Eckel. He married Sharon (Steber) on November 28, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

Keith was first and foremost a family man. He considered his family his greatest accomplishment and was always proud of his daughters and grandchildren.

He had a passion for horses and farming that he shared with his family. He enjoyed trail riding in Shawnee with family and friends and attending tractor shows. Keith was a strong believer in the preservation of the family farm.

He believed in the conservation of the land and was a lifetime member of the American Agriculture Movement. In January of 1979, he and his wife participated in the Tractorcade that left from Vandalia, IL and ended in a rally in Washington, DC, in hopes of driving change in agricultural policy.

In his younger years he and his wife enjoyed riding dirt bikes but more recently they enjoyed driving their side by side.

Keith was a loyal friend and valued honesty. He will be greatly missed but his stories and jokes will live on forever.

Keith is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon Eckel of Olney; daughter, Erin Akers and husband Brad of New Douglas, IL; daughter, Erica Grandt and husband Nick of Kinmundy, IL; grandchildren, Owen, Jack, Molly, and Evie Akers, and Josalyn and Benny Grandt; close cousin, Sandy (Ron) Burgener of Olney; and several nieces, nephews, and sisters and brothers in law.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held for friends and family on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Crest Haven Memorial Park in rural Claremont, IL, with Full Military Rites to be performed at the graveside.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL