Dr. David L. Eckiss, 57, passed away on January 27, 2022 in his home in Olney, Illinois. Born on September 9, 1964 to Richard W. and Lois A. (Fisher) Eckiss.

Dr. Eckiss attended Richland County schools and graduated from East Richland High School in 1982. He fell in love with show cattle at an early age, and after attending high school, he worked for nationally competitive show cattle operations across the country. In 1990, he enrolled at Olney Central College (OCC) and obtained his Associate of Science degree. After graduating from OCC, he was accepted into the University of Illinois Veterinary Science program and earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

Dave was a farm boy at heart and was proud to support local farmers. He dedicated his life to caring for animals, most recently at his veterinary clinic in Olney. He was passionate about science and enjoyed following research studies and reading scientific journal articles. He loved the earth and was a champion of conservation.

A proud supporter of his community and his alma maters, he frequented Olney Tiger, Blue Knight, and Illini sporting events and was extremely proud to support local businesses. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Olney Elks Lodge No. 926, and the Eagles.

Doc, as he was affectionately called by many, had a deep-rooted passion for music. As a child, he listened to his mother sing and play piano which inspired him to do the same. As he grew, he developed a love for rock music of the time, but particularly with the sound of the acoustic guitar and singer-songwriters such as Neil Young; James Taylor; and Crosby, Stills, & Nash. Influenced by the sounds of these artists, Doc learned to play guitar in the same finger-picking style. Listening to music and playing guitar were only part of the music equation for Doc; even more, he loved talking guitars. To him, a well-made guitar was a work of art. He loved finding out what his favorite musicians were playing and was proud of the collection of guitars he had amassed.

He took great pleasure in connecting with people especially over deep conversation. His disposition was light. His words were intuitive. His humor was simultaneously highbrow and juvenile. He was meticulous in everything he was passionate about. He was well acquainted with the smaller details that made his existence most enjoyable. He lived by the mantra, “In all my travels as the facts unravel, I find this to be true; if you are to retain any credibility, the things you say must be equivalent to the things you do”. Doc lived fully and without regret. The world has lost a bright spot with his passing, and he will be deeply missed.

David is survived by his parents, Richard and Lois Eckiss of Olney, Illinois; sister, Charlotte Prieur of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; sister, Kathy (Tom) Hixon of Claremont, Illinois; sister-in-law, Barbara Eckiss of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his beloved canine companions, Alice and Tissie.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Bradley W. Eckiss; paternal grandparents, Cleo and Gladys Eckiss; and maternal grandparents, Norvon and Vena Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olney Central College Foundation for the Dr. David Eckiss Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL – January 28, 2022