Jay Eckard

Jehu "Jay" Eckard, 70, of Bedford, died Monday, September 15, 2008 at Altoona Area Hospital.  He was born on July 15, 1938 in Short Gap, WV, a son of the late Albert J. and Mary V. (Bobo) Eckard.  On April 8, 1989 in Bedford, he married Nancy (Chiccehitto) Mock Eckard who survives along with the following family, a daughter Deborah wife of John Flickinger Jr. of Franklin, a son, Jeff married to the former Michele Clark of Bedford, a son, James R. Mock married to the former Ronda Brooks of Bedford, a son, Jeffrey L. Mock and companion Karin Selders of Mercer, seven grandchildren:  John Flickinger III and Fiancee Nikki Hoskins, Jacob Flickinger and wife Brandy, Summer and Olivia Eckard, Catie Mock, Amanda Martin, and Jeffrey F. Mock, four great grandchildren:  Layla Jay, Trent, Trena and Trevor, a sister, Amelia  League of Cumberland, MD, a brother, Robert Eckard and wife Ruth of Frostburg, MD, a brother, Albert Eckard of Hyndman, a sister, Dixie Arnold and husband Emil of Hollidaysburg, a brother, Bruce Eckard and wife Mary Ann of Cumberland, MD, a brother, James Eckard and wife Marjorie of Bedford. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren:  Jessica Flickinger and James L. Mock.

Jay was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, in Bedford. He was employed for over 30 years at Brown's Motor Supply, and then worked at the Bedford Gazette, retiring there in December of 2007. He became a certified electrician in 1991.  He was a graduate of Bedford High School Class of 1957, where he enjoyed playing football and baseball.  He was a PIAA umpire for high school baseball games.   Jay had a great sense of humor, and always had a smile wherever he went.

Funeral Services:  Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with the Rev. James Haddon officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the funeral home. Those wishing may make contibutions  in Jay’s name to the American Cancer Society, Bedford Unit, 322 South Juliana Street Ste 8, Bedford, PA 15522, or the American Heart Association, 400 Luray Ave., Johnstown, Pa. 15904-2538.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com