In loving memory of

Samuel Elmer Eckert
November 7, 1962 - January 15, 2014

Samuel Elmer Eckert, 51, passed away on Wednesday, January 15th at 3:26 AM. Sam was born to Bea and the late Charles "Jug" Eckert on November 7, 1962 in Indianapolis. He graduated from Bishop Chatard High School in 1981. Sam attended Ball State University and worked for and co-owned Indiana's famous Jug's Catering.
Sam is survived by his mother, Bea, daughter, Samantha (24), and son, Clayton (22). He is also survived by his six siblings, Zach, Nannette, Faith, Beth, Lauri (Steve) and Max (Connie) and numerous nieces and nephews. Sam was a devoted father to his children and a loving brother and son. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed all Indiana sports. Sam played football and wrestled for 4 years while attending Chatard High School. Sam was passionate about the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers and Tony Stewart was Sam's favorite racecar driver. Sam was loved by all.
A viewing will be held Saturday at Saint Pius Catholic Church, from 10am-12pm. Funeral and burial will follow at Our Lady of Peace. The family is asking that donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Indianapolis. Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.leppertmortuary.com.

Tributes

Sophia (Banks) Harris wrote on Jan 27, 2014:

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find some comfort in the fond memories of Sam. He was such a good guy with a kind, generous spirit. BCHS Class of '81."

Jean Regas wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Dear Bea, I am so very,very sorry for your loss. To lose a child would be heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean "

Dorothy (Dottie) Elliott wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"My sincere sympathy to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficul time."

Marie Roos wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"For the Beatrice Roos Eckert Family. I would like to express my sympathy at Sam's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Harry Roos Family."

Lisa Meister wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"Mrs. Eckert and Family - I am so very sorry to hear about Sam's untimely death. Sam had a very kind and gentle heart. He was a good man and will be sorrily missed. Please allow me to send my heartfelt prayers. Lisa Meister"

Lorraine "Sam" Hoss and Mark Travis wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Mrs Eckert and Zach and the entire Eckert family: Both my mother and myself are very very sorry to hear about your loss. Not sure why the "good die young" but life has a funny way of making us realize how short life really is. God Bless and be strong. "Sam" and Mark"

Barb and Fred Sullivan wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"To Connie and Max, We were so sorry to read about this in the paper. We are thinking of you and your family. You are so generous with all of us in the neighborhood. Please let the family know that we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Barb and Fred"

Bridget Wetterer wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Thoughts and prayers to all of you. So sorry for the loss of Sam so young. So enjoyed seeing him at the catering events as well at our annual Football Kcikoff party. Rest easy my friend.!! "

The Sabel Family wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"We were very surprised and saddened to hear of Sam's passing. Sending our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. "

Marilyn (Jane Eckert) Brooks & Ellie Eckert wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"The Jasper Eckert Family hopes your sadness will be softened by remembering the joy. We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "

Ashley Anne Ridgeway wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"To the Eckert Family: I truely am so very sorry for your loss. Sam really was loved by many. My heart goes out to Samantha and Clayton. I know your dad thought the world of you two. "

Kathy Lesch wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"My deepest sympathy to the Eckert family. Sam was, indeed, a good and generous man... a true asset to the Class of '81 Chatard High School."

The Lillis Family wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"We are all saddened by your loss.I'll never forget Sam coming by the house with enough food to feed our extended family for a week when our Mom passed away! Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and his family."

Steve, Sylvia, and Susan Purichia wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of grieving. Sam was a wonderful young man and was well respected and loved by all who knew him. He had a big heart and was always willing to do for others. Sam will be missed."

Mike Hackman wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Bea and Family: We are so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike, Mary Ann, Jack, Robin & Sam"

Abby Marmion wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"I am so very sorry for your family's loss."

Mary Boyle wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Mrs. Eckert and family - My thoughts are with all of you. Sam was one of a kind. He was always so generous and we had such a good time at Chatard and years after. I have a lot of wonderful memories with him which will never be forgotten. "

Suzanne (Geisler) Niemiec wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Eckhart Family: Sam's passing is a loss to so many. Old friends are the best of friends. We had a great times during grade school. I will always remember the fun and smiles we shared. (The times we went to the motor speedway in May with Mrs. Woodside, followed by lunch from your parents, etc) Sam, I pray you are free of pain and at peace now with our Heavenly Father. May you rest in our Eternal Home where one day we all, hopefully, will be reunited. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings from myself and my husband, Frank. Suzanne "

Susan De Lisle wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Bea, Frank and I are in Fla. We are so sad to hear the tragic news! Our hearts , thoughts and prayers are with you now and always! God will wrap His arms around you and Family at this Heartbreaking time. Wish I could be there! God Bless All! "

The Rash Family wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Samantha and Clayton, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers."

Linda Gilliatte, Carly Gilliatte, Cassidy Wuensch wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"To all of the Eckert Family: We extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Please remember that our prayers are with you during these trying times. May God bless you all and keep you during this time of sorrow. "

Joseph Harmon wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Eckert Family, We were so sorry to learn of Sam's untimely death. May his soul rest in peace."

John P. Young wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Sam: I am at a loss, old friend. Our childhood together will forever make you a part of me. As I live, we will live together. Old friends are truly the best friends. Take care."

Jim Waite wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"I have a lot of fond memories of Sam having lunch with his dad at the Parts Store. He always had a smile for everyone. Now he and Jug can be together again. Rest in Peace you will be missed by all. "

Lisa Quigley wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Sam made me laugh. I spend alot of time with the family and they were some of the best times. "

David michalowski wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Dear mrs. Eckert, so sorry to hear about Sam, I still have very fond memories of growing up on taughton rd. riding my bike past your house and seeing Sam working up in the back of the catering truck. I will miss him."