Karl M. Eckel, 72

Karl M. Eckel, 72, of Manheim Twp., died Friday March 21^st at the Essa Flory Hospice Center.

Karl was the Husband of Sharron T. (Testerman) Eckel and they were married for 40 years. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of the late Dr. John F. and Martha (McMaster) Eckel.

Karl was employed for 26 years at Armstrong World Industries as a Research Physicist working most of his career at the Research and Development Campus of Armstrong. He retired in 1988. Following his career at Armstrong, Karl and his wife Sharron became owners of six Command Performance Hair Salon franchises for several years. One of Karl’s distinguishing qualities was the ability to mentor young people. He was able to not only lead, but to guide, and they respected him for this quality.

Karl was a 1953 graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School in Northfield, MA, and a 1957 graduate of Brown University with a BA in physics, where he also was in the ROTC program. He was awarded a Master of Science in Physics from Franklin and Marshall College. In 1957, he entered the U.S. Navy, going to the Fleet Training Center War College in Norfolk, VA. He served on the destroyer, USS Howard D. Crow, and was stationed at the naval base in Rota, Spain for 2 years. Following 4 years of active duty, Karl remained in the Naval Reserves for 17 years, retiring as a Commander.

Karl was a member of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church and a member of Bent Creek Country Club. He loved classical music and the theater, playing golf, skiing, all animals, and world travel. Karl truly enjoyed life and loved spending time with family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughter, Jennifer A. Eckel of Lancaster, son David F.  married to Allison S. Eckel of Medford, NJ and 2 grandchildren, Thomas F. and Lillian M. He is also survived by brother John W.  married to Erika Eckel of Mooresville, NC and brothers and sisters in law: Keith and Pansy Testerman,  Janet and Jacob Graeff, Duane and Mary Testerman, Darryle and Dolores Testerman, Carol and D.F. Williams, and Cyndi and Michael Albenzi.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:30-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, with a memorial service to follow at 8PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11AM from Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, 1068 Chestnut Level Drive, Quarryville, PA with the Rev. Michael Wilson officiating. Interment to follow in the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Karl’s memory to the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA  17603 or to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.