Henry Walter Eckhardt Jr., 72, of Reisterstown, Maryland, passed away on December 5, 2021. Born on July 28, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Henry W. Eckhardt Sr., a dedicated member of Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, and Ruth Eileen Eckhardt. He was the beloved husband of Patricia Evelyn Eckhardt. Surviving him in addition to his wife is his daughter, Theresa Akerman-Ihle; grandchildren, Joellen Ihle, Dylan Ihle, Marie Bitzel, Michele Buchholz, Edward Sible, and Richard Kosmicki; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Brenda Eckhardt and Pam Higgs; one nephew; three nieces; and his aunt, Shirley Bott. He was predeceased by his daughter, Laura Ann Akerman-Hicks.

Henry was a man of discipline and a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he served his country with bravery during his three tours in the Vietnam War. While in the United States Navy, he served aboard the Henry B. Wilson and U.S.S. Ticonderoga and was proudly involved in the retrieval of Apollo 16.

Henry began his volunteer firefighting with the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company in 1966, before he was called to duty by the United States Navy to serve a four-year term. During this time, Henry met his beloved wife of 50 years, Patricia Evelyn Eckhardt. After his service was completed, Henry returned to volunteering with Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company until his relocation to Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company in August 1983.

Henry served for a number of years as a suppression lieutenant. During his tenure, he served multiple terms as a member of the board of directors. As a top 10 responder, he was driven by a sense of duty to his community and fellow men to always respond. He was an outstanding and qualified driver/pump operator of each engine and special rescue unit. Henry was an advocate for occupational health issues and remedies for his fellow firefighters. A man of protocol and discipline, he was involved in training and mentoring new members and Junior Fire Company members at his station. He also ensured the monitoring of hand tools and special equipment carried on each engine and special equipment unit. In 2020, at age 71, Henry had the honor of driving S414 to the station prior to it being put in service, as he was the most senior active driver at the station.

Henry W. Eckhardt Jr. will always be remembered as a man of honor, integrity, discipline, and protocol. He lived his entire life in service to his fellow man and community, as was his duty.