Leroy "David" Ecker Obituary

MAYVILLE – Leroy “David” Iver Ecker, 76, of Mayville, NY, passed away at his home on April 24, 2025, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 3, 1948, in Mayville, NY, the son of the late Iver and Irene Blanchard Ecker.

     David graduated from Mayville Central School in 1966. Fresh out of high school, he joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1966 to 1969. During the Vietnam War, he worked as a mechanic and recovered downed helicopters — a job that required skill, courage, and determination. He returned home from Vietnam on July 4, 1969, a fitting day for a man so devoted to his country. His military service remained a deep source of pride throughout his life. After his honorable discharge, David worked as a carpenter for Jackson Builders in Westfield, NY.

     A man of deep faith, David’s greatest passions in life were the Lord, his family, especially his grandchildren, and hunting. He loved spending time outdoors and sharing his love of hunting with those he cared about most. His hands were rarely still; he enjoyed building birdhouses, painting wood art, and sculpting beautiful canes, turning simple pieces of wood into lasting works of love.

     David was a member and past Commander of the Westfield VFW Post 6764 and a past member of the Mayville American Legion Post 493. He also enjoyed fishing, trapping, gardening, politics and supporting President Trump, cheering on the New England Patriots, and rooting for his favorite NASCAR drivers, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Alex Bowman. Above all, he cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Garnet Smith Ecker, whom he married March 3, 1973, in Sherman, NY; his son, Christopher W. (Mary Jo Lindberg) Ecker of Randolph, NY; three grandchildren, Tabatha Ecker, Tiffany (Timothy) Dowiasz, and Samantha (Timothy) Franzen, all of Randolph; two step-grandchildren, Tommy Armstrong and Susan (Steven) Marcotte, both of Maine; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald Ecker of Mayville, NY; one sister, Elda Hawkins of Westfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Ed Ecker, and one sister, Selma Pierce Hawkins. 

     A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Mayville Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life held at the Mayville Legion immediately following the service. 

     To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com