Brian Eck
February 07, 2012
Brian Keith Eck left our world, but not our hearts, on Monday, February 6, 2012. He was 35 years old. The great love Brian had for others, and they for him, was evident in the large crowd of family and friends that gathered to support Brian and each other in his final days of life at Mercy Hospital. Brian will be sorely missed by all who loved him but will live on and give new life to others, thanks to his family’s decision to donate his organs and tissue.
Brian was born on September 17, 1976, to Dixie and Wendell Eck. Brian and his sisters, Bonita and Anna, were “best friends” and remained inseparable throughout their lives.
Brian’s joy and enthusiasm for life and love for others is legendary, but nothing when compared to his love for and devotion to his son, Ledger. Ledger was the center of Brian’s world and Brian committed to fatherhood with the same passion he brought to everything.
Friends and family will remember especially Brian’s smile and sense of humor. He put the needs of others far ahead of his own. He was the one others went to when they needed a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. His funny faces and silly voices live on in his son, Ledger.
Brian was an exceptional craftsman and well-respected for his skill at carpentry and carpet installation. He and his father, Wendell, worked side-by-side often, a source of great pride and joy for them both.
Brian loved his boat and time spent on the lake with family and friends. He rarely missed a family gathering or social event and when he did things just weren’t quite the same. He and his mother, Dixie, shared a love of bargain shopping and, especially, time spent with Ledger.
Brian is survived by his son, Ledger Johnson-Eck; mother, Dixie Brooks (Archie); father, Wendell Eck (CeCe Ibson); sisters, Bonita Harvey, Anna Eck and Wendi Eck; nieces, Shelbi Alex, Ashlin Alex, Justyce Eck, Morghan Harvey and Jayda VanNiewaal; aunts and uncles, Karen Ficus (Dean), Jim Vaneck, Steve Eck, Sally Eck and Scott Eck; step-siblings, Daiynna Brooks-Brown, Lisa Brooks, J. Archie Brooks III, Zoey Wagner and Kiernan Wagner; many, many cousins and friends too numerous to name.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Berean Assembly of God Church, 5299 E. University Avenue in Pleasant Hill.
A fund has been established for the benefit of Brian’s son, Ledger. Contributions to “Ledger’s Fund” may be mailed to Ibson Law Firm, 2629 Beaver Avenue, Suite 3, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Family Friend
02/09/2012
I am so very sorry for everyone's sudden loss. It absolutely breaks my heart to know the pain Heather, Brian's family, and friends must be going through. He was a sweet guy with a big heart. I hope that the support all of you are showing each other in this devastating time is making Brian smile with pride from above. I'm sure he love to see it that way. Time heals all wounds, and then we'll only be left with the fond memories, please hold them dear in your heart and continue to grow closer as a family for this sad experience you all share. God Bless. Many prayers your way.
Laura Beekmann
02/09/2012
I was deeply saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I will always remember his smile and his sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. I'm so sorry for your loss.
A friend
02/09/2012
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I am praying for your family during an extremely difficult time. Brian will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May you find peace and comfort in each other.
Tom and Shawnda Atkinson
02/08/2012
We are so very saddened to hear of the loss of Brian. We babysat for Ledger for a short time, and it was always a joy to see Brian and Ledger together! Ledger's eyes would just light up when his father would pick him up. We pray for comfort and peace for your family. May God ease your pain and heal your hearts.
Teresa and Bob Tallman
02/08/2012
Dixie and Wendell and all of your family.
We are both so sorry for your loss.
I remember him as a little boy running through the fields.
He was a good guy.
We remember your family in our prayers.
Teresa and Bob
Jake and Amber Bonnie
02/08/2012
To the Eck Family,
So So sorry to hear of your loss, my husband Jake Bonnie was in Brian's class. Jake said Brian was his first best friend when moving to Knoxville. That they had stay overs at each others house and would stay up all night and play video games. Jake is very sad about hearing of Brian's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We lost Jake's brother Ben at a young age and it is total shock and time stands still while everyone else is going on. Brian is in a great place and one day you will all meet again. You have Ledger that will always connect you with Brian, he will help you get through this horrible time.
The Bonnie Family
Tammy Van Gorp
02/08/2012
Anna and family ~ My heart grieves with you. May the love of family and friends carry you through this difficult time and may you FEEL the arms of God around you as you walk through the coming days...
Jessica (Smith) Osterberg
02/08/2012
I am so sorry for your loss and keep Brian's family in my thoughts. Brian and I went to high school together, and I, as many others do, remember his bright smile. May he rest in peace.
Paul Eck
02/08/2012
Wendell, Dixie, Anna, Bonita, and the extended family,
No words will ease the devestation that Brian's death has brought to you. My prayer is that he is at peace now with our heavenly father and that one day we'll all see him again along all those who went before him. I pray that during these next days you'll find that peace that passes all understanding.
Stephanie Beardsley
02/08/2012
Dixie, Wendell, Bonita and Anna and families I am so terribly sorry for your loss and it is a great loss to all of us that new and loved Brian. My deepest sympathies go out to you all. You will be in my thoughts and my prayers and if there is anything I can do please let me know 515-897-5230 and again I am so sorry love you all.
Jeanie Murphy
02/08/2012
Dixie- So very sorry to hear about Brian. I lost my brother at a young age four years ago, so I know what a shock this must be and how difficult it is to accept. My heart goes out to you and your family.