Donald A. Eckhoff

Donald A. Eckhoff, 84, of Farmington, died on April 18, 2016, at 3:29 p.m., OSF St. Francis Hospital, Peoria.   Donald was born on October 8, 1931 in Princeton, Illinois. He was the son of Arthur J. and Minnie (Peterson) Eckhoff. He married Wilma V. Long on February 14, 1970 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2000.   Donald is survived by his daughter, Mickey Carr of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Tiara (Richard) Hatfield of Andover, Michael (Shari) Carr of Ellabell, Ga., Andrea Osborne, Amanda (Chad) Mansfield, and Joseph (Jenna) Osborne all of Canton; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha Oltman of Florida; and eight nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife Wilma; his parents; a daughter, Maria Lynn Osborne; 2 son-in-law’s, Paul Carr, and William Osborne; brother-in-law, Merle Oltman, and three nephews.   Donald received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business and Accounting. He started the business, Confidential Security in 1983 and worked there until his retirement in 1993. Donald loved wood working, painting, and was an avid reader. He was very passionate about traveling the world, having been to Russia, Africa, China and many other places. He loved to read and study before his travels, and then leaving a permanent memory of his experiences by painting them. He was loved dearly by his family and will be truly missed by them.   Per Donald’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A private family burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington, at a later date. Memorials in Donald’s honor may be given to the Farmington Rescue Squad or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.