Eckart, Merwin C. Mel, 83, of Tarpon Springs, FL formerly of Apopka, FL, passed away May 12, 2008 at home.
Born in Pemberton, NJ, Mel moved to Apopka in 1990 from Monmouth County, NJ and to Tarpon Springs in 2004. He worked in Freight Transportation. He was an army veteran of WWII, earning two bronze service stars and a purple heart for campaigns throughout Central Europe and the Rhineland.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Betty; two sons, Gary and Richard; and four brothers, William, Glenn, Nelson and Neil. Survivors include two sons, William J. of Neptune City, NJ and James of Bradley Beach, NJ; three daughters, Patricia Sabathe of Neptune City, NJ, Lisa Kelley of Apopka, FL, and Nora Maddox of Tarpon Springs, FL; brother, Alvah of Hanesport, NJ; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
My thoughts are with Mel’s family and loved ones. He was a great friend of mine and a real joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by many of us at the Downs. 18-18-27-27, Mel! I’ll never forget ya, buddy.