Ronald Dean Eckert

     Ronald Dean Eckert, 80, of Chula, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Hedrick Medical Center, with his family at his side.

     Ron was born January 1, 1946 in Chula, the son of Ruben (Ruby) and Veola Cooper Eckert. He was a 1964 graduate of Chillicothe High School. On January 31, 1975, he married Tonda Lou Brown in Trenton.

     At the age of 16, following the death of his father, he took over the farming operation, which was his calling.

     Ron was a member of the Alpha Baptist Church and enjoyed farming, camping, and spending time with his family.

     He is survived by his sons, Rick (Becky) Eckert, Chillicothe, Rubyn (Shasta) Eckert, Chula, and Randy (Tiffany) Eckert, Chula, grandchildren, Hannah McDonald, St. Robert, Derek (Hailee) Eckert, Maryville, Hanna (C.J.) Myrick, Chillicothe, Lindsay Eckert, Maryville, Joshua (Emma) Eckert, Maryville, Brandon Eckert, Chula, Haley (Riley) Ashbaker, Donnelly, Idaho, Adriana Eckert, Chillicothe, Cassity Eckert, Chula, Autumn Eckert, Chillicothe, Anthony Eckert, Chillicothe, Lance Sayers, Chula, Theodore Eckert, Chula, eleven great grandchildren, mother-in-law Laura Brown, Trenton, sisters-in-law Lynn (Larry) Smith, Sonna (Mike) Harkins, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     Ron was preceded in death by his wife Tonda, parents Ruben and Veola, sister Shelia Jones, granddaughters, Jaylynn Eckert, and Sara Howard, and father-in-law Dale Brown.

     Memorials in honor of Ronald Eckert may be made to Plainview Cemetery and left at or mailed to Heritage Funeral Home, 3141 N Washington, Chillicothe, MO 64601.

     Friends may call beginning at 1 pm, with family visitation beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:00 am at Heritage Funeral Home.

     Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery, Chula, Missouri.

     Arrangements under the care of Heritage Funeral Home.