John F. Eckley, age 90, of Oquawka, Illinois; passed away at 4:30 pm at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois on Sunday April 3, 2022. John was born on September 9, 1931 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the son of Ralph Barnes and Marcia Anne Fanning Eckley. John attended Garfield Elementary School, graduated from Monmouth High School with the class of 1949, graduated from Monmouth College, and later got a Master’s Degree from Western Illinois University. John served his country in earlier years in the United States Coast Guard. John was married to Peggy Ann Keller on June 6, 1954 in Allen County Kansas. She preceded him in death on February 17, 2019. John began work as a high school science and math teacher at G &O High School in Gladstone. He then taught three years at Union High School when it began. He later served as a principal in Biggsville, Alexis, and Galesburg Schools. He then moved to Lincoln, Illinois where he was a sales representative for SRA, Science Research Associates. John retired at the age of 55. He also has been active in various community organizations locally. John is survived by his his four sons, John D. Eckley and Toni of Bloomington, Illinois, George K. Eckley and Tina of Gladstone, Illinois, Stephen T. Eckley and Debbie of Oquawka, Illinois, and Robert R. Eckley and Deb of Cordova, Alaska, and his daughter, Patricia Cook and Terry of Monmouth, Illinois. He has eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren surviving him. He is preceded in his death by his parents and wife, Peggy, his grandson, Aaron Keller Eckley, and his sister, Anne Haynes.
John’s family is planning a visitation and will receive their friends at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka on May 7, 2022 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Cremation has been accorded. His son, John David will then lead a service celebrating John’s life followed by fellowship at a location yet to be determined. All are invited. A memorial fund is being established for the Delabar Mississippi River Youth Park and may be sent to his family or left at the service. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
