In loving memory of

Charles "Jug" Eckert
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Charles "Jug" Eckert 73, Indianapolis, passed away July 23, 2008. He was born October 11, 1934 to the late Elmer and Bernice (Gerber) Eckert in Ferdinand, IN. Jug moved to Indianapolis to operate the Jasper Engine and Transmission Exchange and later opened his own automotive parts shop. The originator of mobile catering as we know it today, Jug founded his own business, Jug's Catering, in 1967, when he saw there was a need for serving, "good food - hot, fast and easy." Jug's generosity has been legendary, he received numerous awards for his charity benefits, which enriched every level of the community around him. He received the Horatio Alger Award, Youthlinks Indiana Pathfinder Award, Sagamore of the Wabash, Kentucky Colonel, Indianapolis Press Club, Antelope Club Man of the Year, Marion College Knight of Service Award Club and the Allstate 400 Bricklayer Award. Jug was an Honorary Secretary of State, Honorary Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame member, Honorary Marion County Deputy Sheriff, Honorary Indianapolis Police Department Deputy Chief, Honorary Attorney General and a member of Who's Who in Executives and Professionals. Jug served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Indiana State Fair Commission, the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team, Ivy Tech and the Antelope Club. He was a member of the American Business Club, the Antelope Club, the 100 Club and the Knights of Columbus. He had a unique sense of humor, love of people and food and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for eating the most White Castles in one sitting. In his spare time, Jug loved auto racing, snowmobiling, four wheeling and boating and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice (Roos) Eckert; children, Zachary Eckert, Faith Allen, Nannette Dum (Steve), Beth Eckert, Lauri Fehribach (Steve), Sam Eckert (Kendra) and Max Eckert (Connie); grandchildren, Lindsay and Evan Eckert, Kristen Allen, Katie and Mike Dum, Joe, Will, Anna and Meg Fehribach, Samantha and Clayton Eckert, Emily, Alec and Grace Eckert and sister, Joyce Vitale (Tony). Friends may visit with the family on Monday, July 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holiday Drive E., Indianapolis and also from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, with a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:00 a.m. in St. Luke Catholic Church. You may visit: www.leppertmortuary.com, where you can sign the guestbook, leave a personal message for the family or make a contribution in memory of Jug to the Special Olympics, St. Augustine's Home for the Aged (Little Sisters of the Poor) and Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House. Arrangements entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, Indianapolis.


Tributes

Richard Lorey Family wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It is with deep regret that I write this note of condolence to the Eckert family because of my good friend, Charlie. We have been friends for 73 years and I will always remember him as a great man, father and husband. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and I am honored to have been his friend."

Dave & Kelly Keim wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and Family, our deepest sympathy to you all. Jug was one of a kind and he wil be missed. Take good care,Dave & Kelly"

Melinda (Hart) Kazmer wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and family - I was so sorry to hear about Jug. Have so many great memories starting with living in Greenbriar. Our sympathies are with all of you. My children (Dave, Steve and Jenny) all send their sympathies as well. Our prayers are with you all.Melinda "

Jay Chunderlik wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My heartfelt condolences to the entire Eckert family but especially to my "Fred's carpooling", former teammate and good friend, "Fat Zach". May the many great memories of your pop remain in your thoughts forever. Best wishes and God bless. "

Dennis & Cindy Cullinane wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To Bea, Family and Friends,It was with great sadness to learn of Jug's passing this morning and you all have our deepest sympathy. Jug was a remarkable man of great charm who will provide us with warm memories for the rest of our lives. Our prayers are with you all.Dennis & Cindy Cullinane "

Family of Charles "Stormy" Storms wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Our Dad enjoyed his "snowmobiling" adventures with "Jug" so much. And recounted, many times, the great times they had together. Our heartfelt sympathy to your wonderful family. May "Jug" rest in peace."

Mara (Pindell) Davis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Eckert Family - I received word of your dad's/husband's passing from my dad, Joe Pindell. Seeing his face in the picture brought back a flood of memories from our days growing up on Taunton Rd. in Greenbriar. I have some old photos of him grilling corn on your back patio, with all of you guys, my family, the Roberts's and the Baxter's all running around! I am so sorry he is gone so soon. After looking at the obituary, it seems he had a full and successful life, and one can't ask for more than that! I wish you all well!"

Gil & Mary Seger wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We stand in line to send accolades to a dear friend, Jug Eckert. Although we have not been in his presence, too often recently, we do know of his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. Not only did Jug come to our 50th Class Reunion, he came with his huge catering truck, waitresses, china, appetizers, surf-n-turf & dessert. He treated the class to a delightful evening at Sultan's Run in Jasper.Our sincere condolences to Bea and their wonderful family. Jug will be missed by scores of friends.God bless Jug!!!Love,Gil & Mary Seger, Clarksville, IN"

Chuck and Muriel Berger wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"i am from jasper and my daughter was getting married and i called jug to see if he would cater my daughters reception and i knew that he was a very busy man, but he took the time to talk to me, and he remembered me from jasper, because he used to drink home brew with my father and brother. And he took care of us and made my daughters wedding reception wonderful and i know he did not have to do for us, but that was the kind of man that he was. So we want to tell you the world has lost a great man, husband, father and will be greatly missed,Thank you again for what he did for us.Chuck and Muriel Berger"

Frederick & Christina Suesz wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We remember wonderful times in Indianapolis and Jug's friendship, hospitality, and generosity.Our thoughts are with the entire family."

Woodie Neil wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I remember the first time in met Jug. It was in the 60's when Godfrys Transmission had a shop on E 52d St next to Knobbys. They had a party for all the auto dealers on N Keystone. I walked in and there was a panel truck with a beer tap attached to the side and a huge man dishing out food. He was laughing , telling stories and jokes and we were all laughing with him. It was a wonderful party.....as was his life............... We'll miss you big man!"

Dr. and Mrs. Frank Price, Jr. wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To Bea, family and friends,It is with love and gratitude that we remember Jug's friendship, fun-loving nature, and generosity on behalf of the Cornea Research Foundation. He lives on in our memories as a shining example of a life well-lived. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers."

Julie & Mike Dunn wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My memory of Jug and the Eckert family will be with me forever. Not only do we consider Max and Connie as great friends, but Jug and the Eckerts provided me a memory for my father .. the last time he was in Indy Max invited us to the Jug's Election day event and we were fortunate enough to experience the infamous Chicken Drop. My Dad was so impressed by it that he built a minuiture version of it in Little Rock for our family. If the father and friend that Max has become is any indication of Jug's influence, then we should all take a moment to thank Jug for Max, Connie, Emily, Alec and Gracie...they are the best. We are so sorry that we are out of town and will not be able to pay our respects in person...The Eckerts are in our thoughts and prayers!The Dunns"

Dave and Fae Jessee wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.Dave and Fae"

Jack & Blythe Potts wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea & Family,Jug was a class act. He will be missed. Our condolence to all of the family.Jack & Blythe Potts"

Joe and Gloria Boone"| wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Our deepest sympathy to Bea and Family,We will always remember at the time that Joe was so ill fighting Leukemia. Jug saw to it that Joe was honored with a "Joe Boone Day" in Indiana as well as becoming a "Sagamore of the Wabash"[. He always was there for his friends and he will be truely missed by all.He will be missed."

Nula Purichia Hamon wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Where does one start with Jug's generosity and kindness to all? From the delicious meals for any cause; especially for all the generous years of meal contributions to Bishop Chatard High School or to any solicited youth function, Jug was always willing to help.The entire community will miss him and his humor.Sincere heartfelt condolences to Bea and his nice family on behalf of the entire Harmon and Purichia families. "

Ken and Stephanie Tatman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and Family,I was saddened today when Stephanie told me of Jugs passing. He was a great man and a friend. Steph thinks that he is with Mickey and they are both trying to "tell the biggest story". Again, my best thoughts and prayers go to all of you in this time of sorrow.Ken Tatman"

Sarah Berger Humphrey wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Eckert Family,My sincere condolences. Being from Jasper, we grew up together. Dennis and I were friends and classmates. Jug was a fun guy and always doing favors for someone. It was good to keep in touch on several occasions, over the years. His memory lives on. Prayers and Smiles. "

Rick, Wanda, Amy, and Doug Uebelhor wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lauri, Steve, along with all the family of Jug Eckert, you have our deepest sympathy."

Michael Popcheff wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It is with deepest sympathy that I send this condolence to Jug's family. He was the finest man and such fun to be around. He will be missed greatly by everyone."

Zach McCune wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Family- Sorry to hear of Jug's passing. Everytime I am in Indy I always see a Jug's Catering truck and wonder how everyone is doing. We grew up next to Bernice and Frank and miss the old days when the Eckert's would come to Jasper. Once again sorry tohear of Jug's passing. God Bless....Zach McCune"

Roy Berry wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To all of "Jugs" family and friends, Jug was a great friend to me and many others, he will be missed, but never for gotten. GOD BLESS.Roy Berry"

Neal & Kathi Moore and family wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lauri and family: So sorry to hear; he truly was a great patriarch of a great family. May his memory, his sense of humor, and his recipes live on in each of you and your children! Much love...."

ken schilling wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Zach and Family,Jug was kind enough to call me a banker and let me serve cole slaw at arnold the the pig event. He is one of a kind and I was very proud to know him. I think about him often, because of his treatment of people . I dont think I can attend his services, but my thoughts are with you and your family."

DAVID & KATHY SCOTT wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"ZACH AND FAMILY,THOUGH JUG'S VOICE IS QUIET, HIS SPIRIT WILL BE WITH US ALWAYS. WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,RET. MCSD DETECTIVE SGT. DAVID SCOTT & FAMILY"

Kurt Wright wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To the Eckert Family:Jug will be missed, he was a great man with a big heart."

Gloria and Larry Shuman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and family, We have shared some great times with you and Jug, among them, the convention in Huston! Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.Love Gloria and Larry Shuman and family"

Carol & David Yount wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Bea and Family,Jug meant so much to us and we are so very saddened by his passing. He was more than a friend; he was family. Like so many, we will carry his memory with us and smile as we remember his larger than life spirit. We were inspired by his generosity and good nature. Mostly, we will remember how he gave so much of himself to others. We are sorry that Carol's surgery in Chicago kept us away from his funeral and from being with you for the celebration of his life. Please know you are in our prayers. God bless you all, and God bless our dear friend Jug.With love,Carol & David"

Mark Hindsley wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bea and family:My favorite memories of Jug center around his involvement at the State Fairgrounds, where I was Director of Finance. Jug always referred to me as "The Bean Counter." His best business advice? "Fast Payment Makes Fast Friends!"When Don Tanselle took over as Chairman of the Commission, Jug determined Don's role was that of "Mouthpiece," and Jug's was the role of "Enforcer,"--an obvious reference to the relative size difference of the two guys! Jug had a great sense of humor."

Tim Delrose wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Jug was a great guy. I met him in the 70's with A.J. Foyt. He always took good care of A. J.'s suite and race team and also great care of suite 252 at the Speedway every year. I loved having cocktails with Jug and the boys at "Z's" pub and t Jug's suite on turn two. You will be greatly missed by everyone! Tim Delrose and Family"

Teri Parkman (Durbin) wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To Laurie and the Eckert family, My mom passed along the sad news. I remember so many good times with you and your dad, snowboarding, skiing, working at the race suites. I was always in awe of him. He was a big man with a big personality and he will be missed. My prayers are with you all."

Tim & Carrie Dowling wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Zack and family members,Mac called us about your dads death. We will miss him as I am sure all his thousands and thousands of friends will. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. "

Don & Jerry Durbin and family wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

" Bea and family-we were so sorry to hear about Jug and hope that your beautiful family and wonderful memories will help to ease this difficult time."

Mary Catherine Koschnick Brown wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Max,So sorry about your Dad. I still remember the food at the father's day picnics at St. Luke. I looked forward to that every year. Hope you are doing well."

Pat Roos wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Beaty, never expressed how much it ment to mom and I when you and Jug took us in during dad's illness. I know Jug will be missed. And you have my sympathy and prayers. You both are very special people. May God be with you."