Eckley, Virgil E.

Virgil E. Eckley, 87, of Village Ridge in Marion, died there Saturday, July 16, 2011, after a brief illness. Services: 1 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Miller of Iowa City and Sharyl (Ronald) Beauregard of Cedar Rapids; a son, Kevin (Marilyn) of Marion; five grandchildren, Brad, Bryan, Lance, Kelli and Devin; and four great-grandchildren, Josh, Hannah, Addison and Jace.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son, Douglas; one sister and five brothers.

Virgil was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Boone, the son of LeRoy and Mazie (Curry) Eckley. He married Zelda M. Ebsen on Aug. 1, 1942, in Boone. She died in 2001. Virgil was distribution supervisor for Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric and retired from there after more than 40 years of service. As a young man he worked on the family farm until he joined the Army Air Corps and proudly served during World War II.

Virgil was multiskilled in wood working, carpentry and car repair. When he set his mind to do something - he did it. He exemplified the greatest generation.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial fund has been established.

Please leave a message or tribute to Virgil's family on the Web page,    under Obituaries.