A Celebration of Life Service for Ted “Gramps” Eckstein age 82 of Enid will be 2:00 PM Friday, January 22, 2021 at Emmanuel Enid with Rev. Wade Burleson officiating. A private family burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery before the service under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Ted was born April 12, 1938 in Oklahoma City to George T. Eckstein, Sr. and Louise (Saunders) McGee and passed away at his home Sunday, January 10, 2021. He was raised by his grandparents Ray and Elva Saunders. He attended and graduated from Capitol Hill High School. He attended and graduated from Central State College in 1963. He married the love of his life Darlene Niles on August 18, 1962 in Oklahoma City. He moved to Wichita, KS after graduation in 1963, later transferred to Clinton, IA in 1967 and a year later moved to Enid to settle and raise their children in 1968. He was employed by Pillsbury Milling Co. from 1969 to 1988 as a feed ingredients merchandiser. In 1988 he started Eckstein & Co., Inc. and was a leader in this industry until his retirement in 2007. Ted was a member of Emmanuel Enid.
Ted loved the game of baseball and his Oklahoma State Cowboys. He coached his boys in baseball, football, and basketball from 1971 to 1990. Ted and Darlene were very active in volunteering at David Allen Memorial Ballpark from its construction and most recently working during the NJCAA World Series since it moved to Enid. The last few years they have just enjoyed attending games here and at Oklahoma State with friends.
Ted is survived by his wife Darlene of the home, three sons; Barry Eckstein, Andy and wife Diane Eckstein all of Tulsa, Casey and wife Angie of Stillwater, his pride and joy grandchildren; Craig, Mia, Blaze, Emma, Grant, and Chase and several other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Memorials may be made to OMRF or David Allen Memorial Ballpark with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.
Condolences may be made online and the services may be viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.