In the early hours of September 8, 2016, Lewis went to meet his parents at Jesus' side. He was born June 2, 1920 in the Collinsville home of his parents, Louis Henry and Dorthea (Weilmuenster) Eckert. He was a graduate of Collinsville High School. He enjoyed 69 years of marriage to Anna Marie (nee Roustio) and they were blessed with three children. He and his family were Charter Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville.

Lewis proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in New Guinea, Luzan and the Phillipines. Upon his return he worked as an automobile mechanic until beginning his career as an Insurance Automotive Claims Adjuster.

Lewis lived a life filled with quiet faith, humor, creativity, seeking options in hard situations, bending the rules when he thought he could get away with it, and making amends and apologizing when caught. He enjoyed fishing, camping, computers, working on automobiles, and puttering in his garage. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.

After retiring from State Farm Insurance in 1983, Lewis threw away his ties and razor. He and his wife enjoyed many years as "Winter Texans", as well as traveling with their travel trailer to visit family and old Army buddies scattered across the states. Many will remember his humorous accountings of these travels with Princess and "Sweet Thing" in "Lew's Dandy Lines", a column in the monthly Senior Citizen Newsletter, and his signature signoff, "If life was any better, I couldn't stand it". He also penned "Life in the Slow Lane" for a metro area Computer Club newsletter. He became interested in computers early on, before his children hardly knew what a computer was.

In addition to his wife he leaves behind his children Cindy and Larry Lolley of Alton, Edward Eckert of Alton, and Martin and Kathy Eckert of Normal, IL. He took great pleasure in his grandchildren Lewis and Heather Eckert of Avondale, Arizona; Tim and Jacki Lolley of Clayton, N.C.; Chris Lolley of Littleton, Colorado; and Jenny and Troy Herivel of Littleton, Colorado; as well as his 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Monday, September 12th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, with Rev. Michael Walther officiating. Visitation Monday from 10am until time of service.Burial with military honors will be in Holy Cross LutheranCemetery in Collinsville, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Early Childhood Center 1300 Beltline Road Collinsville, IL 62234 or to the Ostomy Association or Greater St. Louis 17 Guylyn Lane, Valley Park, MO 63088.