Donald F. Eckhoff

Donald F. Eckhoff, 81, of Smithton, MO, passed away on October 30, 2022, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. He was born on April 2, 1941, in Versailles, MO, the son of Dr. Peter F. Eckhoff and Gladys F. (Norton) Eckhoff, who preceded him in death.

On March 9, 1962, in Crocker, MO, he was united in marriage to Brenda Thompson, who resides in the home.

Don was born and raised in Versailles. In high school, he was a star basketball player. He went to college at SBU, where he met his wife, Brenda. He graduated college at CMSU with a Business Admin. Degree in 1965. They moved to Kansas City to work with NCR. Later they moved to Sedalia/Smithton, MO., where he was co-owner of Mac & Jack office equipment until 1980.

He was a farmer, a cattleman, and an OTR truck driver until he retired. Don was a "one ski cat, dude ." He loved being at the lake and teaching friends how to ski. Don especially loved telling stories to anyone, especially if it involved a map. He enjoyed fishing with his grandkids, playing cards with friends, taking care of his cows, and collecting NCR cash registers. Don was a member of Maplewood church for 53 years, where he was a deacon and treas/secretary. He regularly had coffee with his high school buddies.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by three daughters, Joy Dickinson, Gaye Hiller (Bart), and Tammy Fowler (Andy); twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a sister, Clarita Morris; a son-in-law Rick Dickinson; and a great-granddaughter, Sadie Rae Stevenson.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Maplewood Church, 25396 Highway O, Sedalia, with Pastor Eddie Brown officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Church missions fund or building fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.