Eckert, Lee 1940-2025 Atchison, Kan.
ATCHISON, Kan. – Lee Eckert, a towering figure in the world of sporting goods sales, passed away on Dec. 7, 2025, at The University of Kansas Health System at the age of 85. He was born on May 6, 1940, in Horton, Kansas, the son of Andrew and Ethel (Reynolds) Eckert.
As a graduate of Atchison County Community High School in 1958, Lee embarked on a life journey that would see him spend a remarkable 60 years as a salesman of sporting goods. He began his career at Snowden-Mize Sporting Goods, but it was at Nill Bros. Sports where he truly found his home, dedicating 36 years to serving the community with passion and dedication before retiring in 2021. He was also a proud partner of Mueller’s for over 30 years, where he notably could be found every Saturday, reminiscing with his customers and friends.
A notable player and coach of Men’s Slow Pitch Softball, he earned induction into the Softball Hall of Fame in both the ASA and USSSA, leaving an indelible legacy in local sports. He had players and friends from all over the United States even winning the National Championship before passing the bat in 1997.
He was married to Ruth (Miller) Eckert, on Feb/ 24, 1990, at St. Joseph Church in Atchison. Together, they shared a love that resonated deeply; as he would often remind Ruth, “It’s your world, I’m just passing through.”
Lee is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Doug (Connie) Eckert, Dave (Stacy) Eckert, Denise (Shawn) Vandeloo, and Donna Williams; his brothers, Russell Eckert, Jerry (Rita) Eckert, Jim (Shirley) Eckert, and Mike (Amy) Eckert; his sisters, Karen Bell and Debbie (Mark) Redding; sister-in-law, Theresa Eckert; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He joins in eternal rest his parents; brothers, Dennis and Andrew “Vince” Eckert; and sister, Evelyn Eckert; as well as sister-in-law, Carol Eckert; and brother-in-law, Ray Bell.
Visitation will be held at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will take place at St. Joseph Church on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be left to St. Benedict Catholic School (SBCS) or Atchison County Community Schools Education Fund (ACCSEF) in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
