Billey Joe “B.J.” Eckert, 83, died May 16, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 10, 1942, in Denver, CO, to Earl and Laberta (Cook) Eckert.
Billey was a welder, retiring from Shield Industries in South Hutchinson. He enjoyed spending time woodworking, tinkering in his garage, and morning coffee at McDonalds. Billey was quiet, humble, and reserved. Despite rarely sharing his experiences during the Vietnam War, Billey was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1962 to 1966.
On September 30, 1966, he married Vivian Kay Shank, at Medora Community Bible Church. She died July 23, 2000.
Billey is survived by: his son, John C. Eckert (Dana) of Hutchinson and their children, Kristen Yoder (Patrick) of Hutchinson and Kelsey Eckert of Akron, OH; his daughter, Amy Orrison (John) of Hutchinson and their children, Brittany Obrecht (Tyler) and their children, Bryson, Jaxson, and Rhilynn Obrecht, all of Buhler, Taylor Orrison and his daughter, Jossilyn Nulik of Hutchinson, and Ashlee Orrison (fiancé, Kadin Pennington) of Buhler; sister, Patricia Wray (Kenneth) of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Vivian; and brother, Roger Eckert and his wife, Judy.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, in Buhler Municipal East Cemetery, 14842 E. 82nd Buhler, with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice House or the Wounded Warrior Project, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.