Elbert "El" Edward Eschman, age 84 of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at La Bella of Edwardsville surrounded by his family.

He was born May 20, 1940, in Belleville, IL to the late Elbert Otto Eschman and Kathryn  (nee Drysdale) Underwood. He attained a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN and Master of Education from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

El retired from Collinsville Community School District 10. He taught at Collinsville High School and coached football, boys and girls basketball, and track. He previously taught at St. Agnes High School in Flint, MI and St. Mary's High School in Mt. Morris, MI. He was a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville and was involved in the Men's Booster Club and Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Ida (nee Loesche) Eschman; and a brother-in-law, James Hamilton.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Ann (nee Taylor) Eschman, whom he married August 3, 1963; son, Brian (Amy) Eschman of Columbia, MD; three daughters: Diane (Jeff) Braeutigam of Collinsville, IL, Theresa (Brad) Golden of Colorado Springs, CO, and Judith (Vince) Fletcher of Cameron Park, CA; nine grandchildren: Robert (Brin) Braeutigam, Samantha (Michael) Vandaveer, Briana (Terence) Copeland, Tabitha Golden, Lydia Golden, MacKenzie Fletcher, Reece Fletcher, Aleah Eschman, and Brandon Eschman; two great-grandchildren: Lexi and Nolan Vandaveer; three brothers: Arthur (Jean) Eschman, Richard (Gail) Eschman, and Wayne Eschman; two sisters: Barbara Hamilton and Linda (Patrick) Cronin; three step-brothers: Jeff (Pam) Loesch, John (Donna) Loesche, and Jim (Linda) Loesche; two step-sisters: Judy Schaefer and Joan (Tom) Lugge; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025 and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville with Father Rob Johnson celebrant. A luncheon will immediately follow the mass in the Parish Center. Private burial will be at a later date at Buck Road Cemetery in Maryville.

Memorials are suggested to Vitas Hospice and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.