Elvin Eugene (Gene) Eckman, Jr., 69, of Ephrata, passed away following a brief illness on March 21, 2025, at the Wellspan York Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Elvin Eugene and Thelma L (Richardson) Eckman. He was the husband of Claudia M (Snavely) who died in 2019.

He graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School and was most recently employed by Terminex. He previously held jobs at Brubaker, Inc., and The Witmer Company as a plumber, and was a delivery driver for Servomation.

Gene enjoyed time in the kitchen and finding a new recipe to try as well as the time spent in nature and peacefulness that came from fishing. He also enjoyed time with family and for many years, he and Claudia opened their home to family and friends to host a fun evening eating good food and watching the Ephrata Fair Parade since they lived along the parade route.

Gene is survived by a daughter, Kristi (Brown) Howard, wife of Robert, of Burke, VA, and his "adopted son," Robert Schober, Jr., of Ephrata; and grandchildren, Madalyn and Nathan Witwer and Nathaniel and Addison Howard, as well as two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Gregory A. Eckman, of Ephrata, and sister, Teresa L. Baker, married to Harold, of Lancaster. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as "mean Uncle Gene."

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Tracie Lynn McComsey and Angela Elaine Witwer.

A celebration of Gene's life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 5, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, where the family will receive guests beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.